2.  Introduction
 Key Terms
 Standard Engine Commands
 Standard Rudder Commands
 Maneuvering Commands
 Theory
 Application

3.  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.

4.  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

5.  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)

6.  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

7.  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

8.  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

9.  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 …”

10.  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

11.  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

12.  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

13.  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.

14.  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.

15.  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.

16.  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.