Explain the concept of pivot point and it’s shifting position while the vessel moves ahead, astern,

in calm conditions and under the influence of headwind.

The pivot point of a vessel is the point around which the boat turns during maneuvers, such as
when changing direction or reversing. Understanding the pivot point is crucial for effective
navigation and docking.
In calm conditions, the pivot point is located near to the center of the vessel. As the vessel starts
to move ahead, this point shifts towards the bow of the vessel, while when moving astern, it
shifts towards the stern (rear).
With headwind influence, when headwind is present, it can affect the pivot point's position. The
wind can push the bow to one side, causing the pivot point to move further forward and off-
center, making the vessel turn more slowly.

Define the following terms as they relate to ship maneuverability.

Advance- In ship maneuvering, this refers to the distance a vessel moves forward while turning.
Transfer – this refers to the lateral movement of a vessel during a turn. It indicates how much the
vessel shifts sideways (to port or starboard) as it turns, relative to its original course.
Drift Angle - the angle between the ship's heading and the direction the ship is moving (its track
or course over the ground).
Tactical diameter - is the smallest possible circle in which a ship can turn while performing a
complete 180-degree turn.
Track reach - the maximum distance a vessel can travel along its current course before needing
to alter its course to avoid an obstacle, change course for navigational reasons, or compensate for
an external factor like a current or wind.
Head reach - refers to the distance a vessel can travel before needing to alter its heading or
course due to the influence of external factors such as wind, current, or other navigational
constraints.
Side Reach – this is the lateral distance a vessel can travel to one side of its intended course
before a correction, such as a course change or steering adjustment, is needed to return to the
desired route.
Describe the effect of squat in shallow water. How can this be minimized when navigating
through confined channels or port?
Effects
Increased Draft – In shallow water, the vessel’s effective draft increases as it moves. This
happens because the water displaced by the hull has less room to flow, creating a lower pressure
that pull the vessel downwards.
Reduced Maneuverability – Shallow water reduces the flow of water around the hull, which
reduces maneuverability. Turning radius increases, and steering becomes less responsive making
it harder to change direction.
Increased risk of grounding - since squat effects cause the vessel to sit lower in the water, the is
and increased risk of grounding in shallow water especially if the seabed contours are uneven.
Reduced Speed – Shallow water increases drag, reducing the vessels speed and fuel efficiency.
As resistance increases more fuel is used up to maintain speed.

How to minimize

Optimizing Trim – Adjusting the trim of the vessel which is changing the weight distribution
between bow and stern can help reduce squat.
Limit Draft when possible – If a vessel is entering a channel with shallow water, reducing ballast
or cargo to minimize draft can reduce the risk of grounding from squat.
Use Tides – Navigating during tides can increase the water depth and provide more clearance
under the hull.
Reducing Speed – Squat increases with speed, so by lowering speed in shallow water, the effects
on the vessel can be minimized.
Explain how transverse thrust or (paddle wheel effect) influences ship handling, particularly
when the vessel moves astern.

Sideways drift: The transverse thrust causes the vessel to move sideways in the direction
determined by the rotation of the propeller. This means that when a ship is backing out of a berth
or docking station, it may not go perfectly straight, but rather veer sideways in the direction of
the transverse thrust.

Limited control: Since transverse thrust can push the vessel in an unexpected direction, it makes
it more difficult to control the ship’s precise movement when moving astern, especially in tight
spaces.

Explain how windage affects maneuverability, particularly in large vessels with high freeboard.
What can be done to counteract windage during maneuvering.

Windage refers to the resistance a ship encounters from the wind acting on the exposed surfaces
of its structure, particularly the superstructure and the upper parts of the vessel such as the
bridge, masts, funnels, and other high, wind-exposed areas.
The effect of windage is most noticeable in large vessels with high freeboard, such as cargo
ships, tankers, and passenger ships, as they have more exposed surface area to the wind. The
impact of windage can be a major challenge to control, especially when the ship is
moving slowly or astern.

To counteract it.
Use of Bow Thrusters
Bow thrusters are a common and effective tool for controlling lateral movement, particularly
when maneuvering at low speeds or astern. These thrusters provide additional sideways
thrust to counter the sideways drift caused by windage.

Using Tugboats for Assistance:

In confined waters, particularly when docking or undocking, tugboats can help counteract the
effect of windage. Tugboats provide external power and can push or tow the vessel into position,
preventing it from being pushed sideways by the wind.

Reducing Speed:
trIn cases where windage is a significant concern, especially in confined spaces or during
docking, the vessel may reduce speed to prevent excessive sideways drift. Slower speeds give the
ship more time to react to wind forces and allow for better control using thrusters and rudder.
With the aid of a diagram, explain anyone of the following. State which type of vessel best suits
it and it’s advantages and disadvantages.

Anderson Turn

Put the rudder over full towards the person, so if the person fell over the portside, put the rudder
over full to port).
2. When clear of the person, go all ahead full, still using the full rudder.
3. After deviating from the original course by about 250 degrees back the engines 2/3 or full.
4. Stop the engines when the target point is 15
degrees off the bow. Ease the rudder and back the engines as required.

Advantages

It will take the vessel back to her wake.

Less distance is covered so therefore it saves time.

Disadvantages
It cannot be used in an immediate action situation.

Vessels best suited for the Anderson Turn, are the container ships and bulk carriers
MULTIPLE CHOICE Questions.

1. How does shallow water affect a vessel’s turning circle?

b. It increases the turning circle.

2. Which of the following describes the pivot point of a ship when moving ahead.
C. Forward of Amidship

3. What happens to the vessel’s stopping distance in shallow water?

C. It increases

4. Which of the following describes the term “propeller walk”?

A. The sideward force exerted by the propeller during sternway

5. What happens to a vessel’s speed when it enters shallow water at high speed?
A. Speed decreases

6. What is the most effective method for handling a ship in strong current?
D. Keep the bow in the current

7. What does the term “advance” refer to in ship handling?

B. The forward distance travelled before the vessel begins turning

8. Which of the following is true about a ship’s turning circle in shallow water?
A. It becomes larger

9. Which of the following best describes the effect of wind on a vessel with high freeboard?
B. Will experience more leeway

10. What is the role of the “tactical diameter” in a maneuvering vessel?

A. It describes the lateral distance required to complete a 360-degree turn.

11. How does “full ahead” on a single-screw ship affect the pivot point?
B. Moves the pivot point forward.

12. How does using stern power affect the pivot point of a vessel moving astern?

Moves the pivot point aft.