Squat

How can squat be evidenced ?

Vessels experiencing squat will be difficult to steer.

Waves formed by the ships movement will increase in

amplitude and the wave making can cause serious
damage to the side of the channel and moored vessels.

Big rolling waves may follow the vessel and sometimes

beak on the after deck of the vessel

The wake left by the vessel will probably be mixed with

mud.

The vessel may vibrate with a decrease in speed and a

reduced rpm.

The first and main thing to do is: REDUCE SPEED.

39
 Vessels in narrow waters such as rivers or canals

n When the vessel doesnt keep to the middle of the fairway,

on the side closest to the shore, a reduction of the water
level will occur and the velocity of the water flow will
increase and its pressure decrease.
n Due to the difference in water level and consequently the
difference in pressure, the vessel will be pushed towards
the closest shore
n In the Figure above, the dotted line shows the vessel in a
floating position when at rest (not moving).
n As the vessel approaches the side of the fairway, the
suction becomes greater.

Reducing the speed will, here too, avoid the vessel

from running into the shore. 40
Vessel in close proximity to land or a shoal

n A vessel navigating close to the

shore or a sandbank or a shoal, will
also be influenced by a difference in
water pressure on the side closest to
the shallow.
n On this side, the vessel will also
undergo a suction.
n As the turning point of a vessel
moving ahead lays about 1/3 from
the bow, the stern of the vessel will
be attracted to the shore. If nothing
is done to counter this suction, the
vessel will sheer and there is a great
chance that she will run aground on
the other side of the channel, unless
the necessary measures are taken in
time:
reduce the speed:
put the rudder on the opposite
side from the sheer
41
Vessels meeting end-on passing too close
Two vessels meeting end-on and passing very
close, will, in positions A and A both have the
water flow running faster on their starboard side
with a reduced water pressure. They will both have
a reduction of the water level on their starboard
side, with a tendency to be pushed towards the
shore.

As the distance between both vessels gets

narrower, the currents between them will increase
in speed and their pressure will decrease. But, both
currents, which run in an opposite direction
between them, will compensate each other.
In that position (both vessels aboard) both vessels
will normally be pushed away from each other.

Conclusion
Two vessels meeting end-on may pass each other
quite close with no risk to collide; furthermore they
will run clear from each other in a very short time.

42
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
By all vessels

Vessels meeting end-on passing very close

Vessels will normally run clear of each other

43
Vessels overtaking one another too close (i)

n As both vessels come

aboard of one another,
strong currents will
develop between them,
which will make overtaking
a real hazard.
n In position (i) both
vessels tend to have their
bows to deflect inward as
a result of both vessels
being attracted to the
Position i shore.
44
Vessels overtaking one another too close (ii)

n In position (ii), when both vessels

are aboard of each other, a strong
current will develop between
them and both vessels will
experience a serious decrease of
the water level between them.
The currents between the two
vessels run in the same direction
(and sense) with an important
increase in speed and a decrease
in pressure.
n Both vessels will be attracted to
each other. The smaller vessel
will be more influenced then the
larger one with a real chance of
Position ii running into her starboard shore.

45
Vessels overtaking one another too close (iii)

n In position III, vessel B is sufficiently clear

from vessel A. Vessel A being rather close to
her starboard shore will still experience an
attraction from her stern which she should
correct by the proper helm action. Vessel B
will also experience a slight increase in
speed.
n The paramount rule here is to engage in a
clear conversation by VHF with the vessel
being overtaken and to agree on the best
procedure the overtaking should be
negotiated. The overtaking vessel must also
make the proper sound signals as prescribed
in Rule 34 (c) of the Colregs or as prescribed
in the local Regulations.
n If no proper action is taken both vessels will
be sucked to each other and the overtaken
vessel (usually the smallest and the slowest
of the two) will, as we already saw, be
sucked by the stern and run aground in de
Position iii shoulder on her starboard side.

46
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
By all vessels
Vessels overtaking one another too close
Both vessels must agree on how to pass one another and reduce speed

47
Vessel negotiating a bend in a narrow channel
Bank cushion effect

n A vessel can negotiate a bend in a

narrow channel, maintaining her rudder
in a midship position, when she is close
enough to the inner side of the channel.
This can be materialized thanks to the
bank cushion effect.

n If the position of the helm is maintained

in the correct position, the ship will
sheer away from the bank, just enough
to allow the vessel to negotiate the bend
by herself

n The person responsible for this

manoeuvre must keep the ships
movement well under control and
ascertain himself that the vessel doesnt
sheer away too much, with the risk to
run into the opposite shore or to collide
with an oncoming vessel.
48
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
Rule 6, (b)

terma.com

Nowadays, nearly all ships are

fitted with a proper radar
All ships of over 10.000 grt
must be fitted with an ARPA 49
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
Rule 6, (b)

For details see also

Marine Guidance Note
MGN 63 (M + F) : The
Use of Electronic Aids to
Navigation.

See also : International

Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at
Sea by Capt. Pierre
Deseck, page 75
www.austin-insulators.com
50
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
The characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar
equipment Rule 6, (b) (i)

Efficiency of radar
Range performance
Minimum range
Diameter of PPI
Scale of display
Plotting facilities
Range accuracy
Heading indicator
Bearing accuracy
Azimuth stabilisation
Etc. 51
www.raytheon-anschuetz.com
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
Types of radars Rule 6, (b) (ii)

3 cm radars
10 cm radars

Rain and sea

clutter are less on
10 cm wavelength
radars

www.globalsecurity.org 52
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
Image presentations Rule 6, (b) (ii)
Relative motion radars
The center of the screen is the own ship
a) Unstabilized ships head-up or course-up
b) Stabilized north-up or azimuth stabilization
c) Stabilized ships head-up or course-up

True motion radars

Own vessel moves over the screen
a) North-up
b) Ships head-up or course-up
c) Anti-collision or collision avoidance system (C.A.S.)
d) Automatic plotting system (ARPA), photo plot, situation display
53
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
Relative Motion versus True Motion
Relative Motion
All tracked targets display motion vectors including
stationary objects (e.g. buoys and the like). Own ship is
stationary in the center of the screen

True Motion
Ships and other vessels display their true motion vector.
Buoys and other tracked stationary objects show no
motion vectors. Own vessel moves over the screen.
54
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
Ships head-up versus North-up
Ships Head-up
Similitude between the outside view and the presentation
on the radar screen

North-up
Easy to compare chart with radar screen

55
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
Relative motion radar, north-up

hansbuch.dk 56
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
Relative motion radar, head-up

hansbuch.dk 57
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
True motion radar, head-up, off-center

norinco.co.in
58
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
True motion radar, head-up

rstmarine.com 59
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
Relative motion radar, north-up

rosepointnav.com
60
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar

Any constraints imposed by the radar range

scale in use Rule 6, (b) (ii)
The choice of range scale depends upon several factors
such as:
Traffic density
Speed of own ship
Presence of coastlines
Weather conditions
Frequency of observations
Etc. 61
mecys.com
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
Any constraints imposed by the radar range scale
in use Rule 6, (b) (ii)

Range Scale
A good rule of thumb to
determine the range scale to be
used, is the speed of own vessel

1. Speed between 5 and 10 knots: 5

mile range
2. Speed between 10 and 20 knots: 12
mile range
3. Speed over 20 knots: 20 mile range
www.photolib.noaa.gov 62
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
Rule 6, (b) (ii)

Long Range Scale

Use of long range scale allows:

Early observation of targets

Observation of land and sea marks
Observation of coast line
Observation of close-quarters
situations

Negative points are:

Definition and discrimination are

reduced
Small targets are less visible
12 miles range dspnor.no
63
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
Rule 6, (b) (ii)

Short Range Scale

Use of a short range scale allows:

Better definition and accuracy

(especially by risk of collision)
Small target can be better observed

Negative points are:

Entire radar picture is reduced

More difficult to assess close-
quarter-situations

It is good practice to regularly switch

from long range to short range scales
3 miles range dspnor.no
64
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
The effect on radar detection of the sea state, weather
and other sources of interference Rule 6, (b) (iii)
Anti-clutter
The anti-clutter must be
properly regulated

Too much clutter: real

echoes become invisible
Too little clutter: sea waves
or rain are not properly
detected or
Sea waves or rain can be
mistaken for real echoes 65
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
The effect on radar detection of the sea state,
weather and other sources of interference Rule 6, (b) (iii)
Interferences
Interferences on the radar can be caused
by rain and sea waves but also by
atmospheric phenomena like thunder
Proper use of sea clutter allows normal
echoes to be distinguished sea and rain

Rain and sea waves are less visible on

a 10 cm wavelength radar (compared to
3 cm)
Echoes of small vessels are often
undetected with interference
66
misimulators.co.uk
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
Small vessels, ice and other floating objects
Rule 6, (b) (iv)

At night, dhows often do not carry navigation lights and can

be a real hazard, not always visible on the radar

A dhow is a traditional Arab sailing vessel with one or more lateen sails.
They are primarily used along the coasts of the Arabian Peninsula, Pakistan,
India, and East Africa. Larger dhows have crews of approximately thirty, while
smaller dhows typically have crews of around twelve. 67
taniwani.de
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar

Small vessels, ice and other floating objects

Rule 6, (b) (iv)

Fiberglass boats and other small boats give usually very poor echoes

They may not be detected in time to take effective collision avoiding action
68
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar

Small vessels, ice and other floating objects

Rule 6, (b) (iv)

69
khaolak.net
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
Small vessels, ice and other floating objects
Rule 6, (b) (iv)

Navigational hazards, like drifting logs or even containers,

may not be detected on the radar and may require the
vessel to maintain a safe speed

70
kristiina.kaapeli.fi
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar

Small vessels, ice and other floating objects

Rule 6, (b) (iv)

Small ice patches like growlers are difficult to detect by radar

71
smh.com.au
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
Small vessels, ice and other floating objects
Rule 6, (b) (iv)
Radar Reflectors
Vessels under 150 GT are
required to carry a radar reflector

It may double the detection range

of small vessels

store.crowleys.com
sailingproshop.com 72
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar

The number, location and

movement of vessels
detected by radar
Rule 6, (b) (v)

media-cdn.tripadvisor.com
73
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
The number, location and movement of vessels detected by
radar Rule 6, (b) (v)
The more vessels that are
detected, the more difficult it
becomes to observe them
individually or to plot them

The risk of close quarters-

situation becomes greater and
the speed must be altered
accordingly

74
admin.royalnavy.mod.uk
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
Assessment of visibility Rule 6, (b) (vi)

At sea, visibility can be

assessed by radar when
ships or objects appear or
disappear. It is however
limited to the direction of the
objects and the conditions of
visibility may alter rapidly
after they have been
observed

The fixed or variable range

rings are used for that
purpose

75
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
SOME CONCLUSIONS

Even the most efficient equipment may not be substituted for

human observation

Electronic equipment may fail unexpectedly and some time may

elapse before it has been assessed

Radar may fail to detect small vessels or small objects

Small course alterations made by other vessels are usually

less apparent

76
 Rule 6 - Safe speed
SOME CONCLUSIONS

The efficiency of electronic and other equipment depends, to

some extend, to the experience and competence of those
using it

Some electronic equipment such as AIS and ECDIS have not

yet been integrated in the Colregs. Every OOW should
however use them to their best ability to prevent collisions at
sea

Never rely blindly on your equipment. Each piece of equipment

should be regularly checked, eventually by comparing it with
another piece of equipment

77