Vessel Handling

Question 1

Different handling characteristics of larger vessels, including the need for more sea-room, limited manoeuverability, deeper draft considerations, windage, and effects on other vessels in vicinity.

Answer 1

Larger vessels due to there increased size and volume as well as take a greater time to respond to controls such as stopping distance and turning capability’s. Larger vessels can have significantly greater effects by environmental conditions such as tide and wind. Larger vessels require more sea-room to turn/manoeuvre due to there size. Larger vessel tend to draw more meaning you need to take more consideration the the water depth and tide while passage planning, ensure you take the squat effect into account when passage planning. Larger Vessels can have the effect of interaction on other vessels causing both vessels to move towards one another.

Question 2

Berthing and securing arrangements on a larger vessel

Answer 2

• Larger vessels require more sea-room to manoeuver into there birth.
• Placing of spotters in blind spots, and keeping two way communication with them (intercoms, hand signals, twoway radios)
• Larger vessels need more lines and than smaller vessels, they also need to to be of a larger size better quality.

A. Bow Line

B. Forward Bow Spring

C. Forward Breast Line

D. After Bow Spring

E. Forward Quarter Spring

F. Quarter Breast Line

G. After Quarter Spring

H. Stern Line

Question 3

Organisation of the crew in regards to safely manoeuvering: placing of lookouts and crew communication.

Answer 3

• All crew including the master should be fit for duty before attempting any manoeuver
• Placement of spotters in blind spots to help navigate
• Communication to be kept at all times, using of hand signals, intercoms and two way radios