Answer
“SERS is a shore-based 24-hour Ship Emergency Response Service. The vessel is enrolled beforehand and a computer model of the ship is maintained ashore. During grounding, collision, flooding or structural damage, naval architects calculate damage stability, residual strength and possible corrective actions and advise the Master and company. It can be provided by classification societies such as Lloyd’s Register or other competent specialist organizations.”How SERS Works During an Emergency (Shipboard Workflow)[Casualty Occurs] ──► [Master/CE Contact SERS] ──► [SERS Loads 3D Model] ──► [SERS Issues Action Plan]
│ │ │ │
Grounding/Flooding Provide Damage Data Calculate Stability Safe Transfer/Refloat
Initial Activation: The Master or Chief Engineer contacts the SERS 24-hour hotline immediately following a casualty, giving initial damage details (tanks breached, draft readings, sounding reports, sea state).
Model Processing: SERS engineers pull up the vessel's pre-stored 3D mathematical hull model (combining structural geometry, lightship weight distribution, tank capacity tables, and stability data).
Simulation & Recommendation: SERS inputs current soundings, tide data, and ocean conditions to calculate safe ballast shifts, fuel transfers, or lightering sequences, transmitting the approved action plan back to the Chief Engineer and Master.