In spite of recent CFD progress, simple methods for the estimation of the propeller hydrodynamic loads through stationary non-uniform wake in relation to cargo ship shafting alignment and vibration calculations are still demanded. The paper concerns with the propeller load calculation results obtained on the base of widely used approaches implemented by the authors in propulsion shaft calculation software. Practical recommendations for setting of propeller hydrodynamic loads in the case of lack of data for full calculation are proposed. The procedure for the propeller load validation in relation to the shaft alignment criteria is discussed.