What is Sagging?

‘Sagging’ is the direct opposite of hogging.When a vessel is supported at bow and stern by wave crests,she will tend to sag in the middle.High buoyancy forces occur at the extremities of the ship. High gravitational forces, from the weight of the ship’s structure, act vertically down about the midship’s point, in opposition to the buoyancy forces. In comparison with the condition of hogging, the vessel has a tendency to bend in the opposite direction.

Incorrect loading of the vessel or design characteristics may accentuate the condition of sagging. Watchkeeping officers should be aware of the frequency of the waves and the likelihood of this condition developing and, if necessary,take action to relieve any sagging or hogging conditions by altering the ship’s course.