Vessel Handling & Shiphandling Practice
A practical course on handling and maneuvering vessels in a wide range of conditions. Covers the forces that act on a hull, propellers and rudders, turning and stopping, the effects of wind, current and tide, berthing and unberthing, anchoring and mooring, maneuvering in restricted waters and heavy weather, single-screw and twin-screw handling, and emergency maneuvers. Interactive video lessons, guided reading, and knowledge-check quizzes throughout.
9 modules · 27 lessons · 18 hours
What maneuvering is, the forces that act on a vessel, inertia and momentum, and the difference between steering and handling.
How propellers and rudders work, propeller walk (paddle wheel effect), the types of rudder, and bow and stern thrusters.
How a vessel turns, the turning circle, stopping distance and crash stops, and controlling speed in a seaway.
How wind and current act on a vessel, predicting set and leeway, and using wind and current to help rather than fight them.
Berthing alongside a dock, the use of springs and breast lines, unberthing in wind and current, and common berthing errors.
Choosing an anchorage, the types of anchor, letting go and weighing anchor, and mooring to buoys and piles.
Squat, bank effect and interaction, maneuvering in narrow channels and locks, and passing and overtaking safely.
Handling in heavy weather, avoiding broaching, heaving to, and emergency maneuvers for steering or engine failure.
The handling characteristics of single-screw and twin-screw vessels, the propeller walk in close quarters, and special maneuvers.
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