Introduction 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 2/3’s 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 ship’s 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 you’ve 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 ship’s the bow is controlled using an external force such as a tug or a line.

The stern is controlled by using the ship’s 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 3-2-1 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.