You are stopped with no way upon your vessel at the pilot station. Your vessel is a large twin-screw ship. You must come around 180° to board your Pilot. How should you use the engines and rudder to turn the ship fastest in the least amount of space?
• Handling characteristics of a twin-screw ship (how opposing propeller directions affect turning) • Difference between turning with rudder and ahead power vs using one engine ahead and the other astern • Effect of being stopped with no way on (no headway) on rudder effectiveness
• Ask yourself: When the ship has no headway, which has more immediate effect on swing: the rudder or differential propeller thrust? • Think about which combination of engine commands will create the strongest turning moment without needing much forward movement. • Consider how a port versus starboard turn is normally made on a twin-screw vessel using only engines alongside a berth.
• Verify which options rely mainly on rudder action (which needs water flow across it) versus propeller thrust. • Check which choice will create opposing thrust vectors on each side of the ship to pivot it about its own center. • Confirm that the maneuver should prioritize turning in place over building speed, since you are at a pilot station with limited room.
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