A procedure which involves auditing all items which are to be added, deducted or relocated on the ship at the time of the inclining test so that the observed condition of the ship can be adjusted to the lightship condition. The weight and longitudinal, transverse and vertical location of each item are to be accurately determined and recorded. The lightship displacement and longitudinal center of gravity (LCG) can be obtained using this information, as well as the static waterline of the ship at the time of the inclining test as determined by measuring the freeboard or verified draught marks of the ship, the ship hydrostatic data and the sea water density.