Ship Handling

Question 1

Where is the vessels pivot point when stopped in calm conditions?

Answer 1

CG approx midships

Question 2

Where is the ships pivot point when making headway?

Answer 2

Roughly 1/4 length from forward

Question 3

Where is the ships pivot point when making sternway?

Answer 3

Roughly 1/4 length from astern

Question 4

What’s the advantage/disadvantage of FPP?

Answer 4

• Advantage: Less prone to mechanical failure and efficent at constant speeds
• Disadvantage: Limited maneuverability espically at low speeds/astern. The pitch of the propeller is fixed which can result in higher fuel consumption

Question 5

What are the advantages/disadvantages of CPP

Answer 5

Advantages:
* Superior maneuverability
* Fuel efficiency via controlling the pitch
* Better in emergencies due to its ability to go from full ahead to full astern
Disadvantages:
* Higher maintenance requirements and liklihood of mechanical failure

Question 6

How to turn the vessel quickly whilst in confined waters?

Answer 6

Turn Short Round
1. Dead slow ahead - Hard to starboard
2. After approx 45° return to amidships and move astern
3. After approx 120° Put helm to starboard and move slow ahead

Question 7

What is your understanding of squat?

Answer 7

Water always flows around and under the vessel but when the flow beneath a vessel is restricted by a small UKC it increases velocity and decreases pressure causing the vessel to sink

Question 8

What are some indications of squat?

Answer 8

1. Unusual noise or vibration
2. Sluggish steering
3. Unusual trim
4. large stern/bow wave

Question 9

What is your understanding of shallow water effect?

Answer 9

A build up of water ahead of the ship forces water under the bow at a higher speed creating low pressure that causes the ship to squat by the bow (bow sinkage)

Question 10

How should the vessel be manoeuvred for pilot boarding?

Answer 10

• Speed adjusted in accordance with advice from port or VTS
• Heading adjusted to create a lee for the pilot boat
• Wind usually positioned between bow and quarter on one side to create an area of calm water on the other side