BML Revision: Ship Manoeuvring (Section 3)

Revision card 3 of 12 — Boatmaster's Licence, Tier 1 Level 1 Underpinning Knowledge, MSN 1853 Annex 9.

Steering Systems & Helm Orders

• Know the components of a steering system and how to deal with minor malfunctions
• Know how to maintain course using shore marks, and how weather, speed and loading condition affect steering

Ship Manoeuvring

• Manoeuvring under normal conditions — stopping, going astern, coordinating helm and engine
• Effects of transverse thrust, and how single/twin/controllable-pitch/fixed propellers affect turning circles and stopping distances
• Effects of wind and current on manoeuvring
• Effects of underkeel clearance, squat and shallow water
• Vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-bank interaction — know why it happens, not just that it does

Locks, Docks & Bridges

• Terminology and mechanical principles of locks
• Entering/leaving a dock or lock in all stream conditions, and the rope techniques specific to lock/dock work
• Passing under bridges and navigating close to other structures

Emergency Manoeuvres

• Precautions after grounding or collision, and how to minimise collision damage
• Turning short round, emergency stop, and man overboard manoeuvres

Quick Self-Check

• What causes squat, and why does it matter in shallow water?
• What's the difference between vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-bank interaction?
• What's your immediate action after a grounding?

Test yourself: Navigation Knowledge Checks.

Related Reading

• Kingfisher — a real MOB incident worth reading alongside the emergency manoeuvres section