IntroductionKey TermsStandard Engine CommandsStandard Rudder CommandsManeuvering Commands TheoryApplication

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 shipStern Tail end of the shipPort Left side of the shipStarboard Right side of the shipScrew Ship Propeller(s), used to control the speed and/or direction of the ship Rudder Device used to control the direction of the shipBare 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 speedIndependent engine commands will be covered laterEngine commands are broken down into speed ranges that vary by ship class, these ranges areStop1/32/3FullFlankEmergency (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 rangeYou can also specify a specific speedExamples:All engines ahead for 2/3s All engines ahead flank for 30 knots

Rudder commands are prefaced with the direction you wish to turn either left or rightThe exception when using Hard rudder commands, where the direction follows the command HardRudder commands are given using either a specific degree or one of three common termsThe common terms are:Standard 15 degreesFull 30 degreesHard 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 courseExamples:Left 10 degrees rudderRight standard rudder

Maneuvering commands can consist of an engine/rudder command or a combination of bothSpeed changes are done through using engine commandsCourse changes are done through using rudder commands with a specified courseCourse 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 amountSteady as she goes The helmsman will turn the ship to the course the ship was on at the time the command was givenMeet her The helmsman will shift the rudder the amount needed to stop the ships turn

Ship handling is both a science and an art.The science of ship handling uses a concept know as split-shipThe 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 independentlyThe art of ship handling comes from an intimate understanding of how your ship responds to commandsNow that youve 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 ships the bow is controlled using an external force such as a tug or a line.The stern is controlled by using the ships 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 1/3An 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.