This document introduces key terms and commands for controlling a ship. It discusses standard engine commands to control speed, rudder commands to control direction, and maneuvering commands that combine engines and rudders. The concept of "split-ship" is introduced, which involves thinking of the ship in two parts - bow and stern - and controlling each independently. Examples of commands for specific maneuvers like turns and docking are provided.
This document introduces key terms and commands for controlling a ship. It discusses standard engine commands to control speed, rudder commands to control direction, and maneuvering commands that combine engines and rudders. The concept of "split-ship" is introduced, which involves thinking of the ship in two parts - bow and stern - and controlling each independently. Examples of commands for specific maneuvers like turns and docking are provided.
This document introduces key terms and commands for controlling a ship. It discusses standard engine commands to control speed, rudder commands to control direction, and maneuvering commands that combine engines and rudders. The concept of "split-ship" is introduced, which involves thinking of the ship in two parts - bow and stern - and controlling each independently. Examples of commands for specific maneuvers like turns and docking are provided.
Key Terms Standard Engine Commands Standard Rudder Commands Maneuvering Commands Theory Application
In preparation for your time in the ship
driving simulator will introduce you to the key terms and commands for driving a ship. Keep in mind that the information presented is only the basics and you must use everything together to control the ship.
Bow Front end of the ship
Stern Tail end of the ship Port Left side of the ship Starboard Right side of the ship Screw Ship Propeller(s), used to control the speed and/or direction of the ship Rudder Device used to control the direction of the ship Bare steerage way Represents the minimum speed a ship can travel and still use the rudders to control the ship
The ships engines are most commonly used
together, as such engine commands begin with All engines and be followed be either ahead or back, then the speed Independent engine commands will be covered later Engine commands are broken down into speed ranges that vary by ship class, these ranges are
Stop 1/3 2/3 Full Flank Emergency (for emergency backing only)
If a command is given just using the
speed range the helmsman will set the speed to the middle of the range You can also specify a specific speed Examples: All engines ahead for 2/3s All engines ahead flank for 30 knots
Rudder commands are prefaced with the
direction you wish to turn either left or right
The exception when using Hard rudder
commands, where the direction follows the command Hard
Rudder commands are given using either a
specific degree or one of three common terms The common terms are: Standard 15 degrees Full 30 degrees Hard 35 degrees
When rudder commands are given the
helmsman will continue to turn the ship until another command is given to put the ship on the desired course Examples: Left 10 degrees rudder Right standard rudder
Maneuvering commands can consist of an
engine/rudder command or a combination of both Speed changes are done through using engine commands Course changes are done through using rudder commands with a specified course Course changes of less than 10 degrees can be accomplished by using the command Come left/right steer course
Shift your rudder The helmsman will
change the direction of the rudder to previously defined amount Steady as she goes The helmsman will turn the ship to the course the ship was on at the time the command was given Meet her The helmsman will shift the rudder the amount needed to stop the ships turn
Ship handling is both a science and an art.
The science of ship handling uses a concept know as split-ship The split-ship concept requires you to think of the ship in two parts (the bow and the stern) Once the ship is divided actions are take to control the bow and stern independently
The art of ship handling comes from an
intimate understanding of how your ship responds to commands Now that youve got the key terms down we will move into application
Under split-ship, the bow of the ship is
controlled using one force and the stern is controlled using a separate force. For most ships the bow is controlled using an external force such as a tug or a line. The stern is controlled by using the ships engines and rudders. It is important to remember that even through you are controlling the ship as two parts, each part must be controlled simultaneously
Ships that have two or more screws have the
advantage of being able to execute a twist maneuver. A twist is performed by operating the engines and screws independently of one another. To do this you order the screw on the outside side you wish to turn, an ahead speed and the inside screw an astern speed. Port twist example: Starboard engines ahead 1/3, port engines back 1/3 An easy way to remember this is to think about how you would steer a bike, if you want to turn left you pull back on the left handle bar and push the right handlebar forward.
You will encounter some situations where
normal commands are too great to achieve the desired results. In these situations you can order small changes to your course and speed. For course adjustments, you can add the word decimal to a course which indicates half of a degree.
Example: Come left steer course 325 decimal.
For speed adjustments, you can alter your
speed by defining the specific revolutions for the screw to turn.
Example: Indicate 75 rpms.
When you are mooring your ship, the
split-ship concept is key. Your actions must be slow and methodical to keep the ship out of danger. Keep in mind that you need to allow for your actions to take effect before making adjustments.
One rule to keep in mind with
maneuvering with other vessels is the 32-1 rule. The 3-2-1 rule states that you will not pass no closer than 3000 yards ahead, 2000 yards abeam, or 1000 yards of another vessel. When working with an aircraft carrier or large amphibious ship, these distances represent miles.
Ship Magnetism and the Magnetic Compass: The Commonwealth and International Library of Science, Technology, Engineering and Liberal Studies: Navigation and Nautical Courses