The angle of list is the degree to which a vessel heels (leans or tilts) to either port or starboard at equilibrium—with no external forces acting upon it.[1] If a listing ship goes beyond the point where a righting moment will keep it afloat, it will capsize and potentially sink.[2]
Listing is caused by the off-centerline distribution of weight aboard due to uneven loading or to flooding.[3] By contrast, roll is the dynamic movement from side to side caused by waves.