Units that are installed on board ships or floating production platforms may require the use of a dry sump design. This option would be required if the pitch and roll of the ship would cause either the crankshaft counterweights or connecting rods to contact the oil level and froth the oil.  Excessive tilt can also cause the oil pick-up tube to lose suction.  Serious bearing damage can result from such conditions.

Leveling Limits for Stationary Reciprocating Compressors in the Packager Standards Manual lists the maximum angle from horizontal that each frame can tolerate assuming the motion is transient like the rocking of a boat. There are two lists, applying to stationary installations and transient installations.