The objective of the course is to provide students with advanced knowledge of ship manoeuvrability and manoeuvring performance, with particular emphasis on the hydrodynamic and dynamic phenomena affecting the control of ship motion. Students will develop competencies in the analysis, prediction, and assessment of ship manoeuvring performance using theoretical, experimental, and numerical methods, as well as in the application of relevant international criteria and standards for manoeuvrability assessment (ITTC recommendations and IMO regulations). Particular attention is given to understanding the influence of hull geometry, rudder characteristics, propulsion systems, and environmental conditions on ship manoeuvring behaviour, as well as to the analysis and selection of course-keeping and manoeuvring control systems aimed at ensuring safe and efficient ship operation.

The learning outcome of the course is the acquisition of advanced knowledge in the field of ship manoeuvrability and manoeuvring performance, with particular emphasis on the hydrodynamic and dynamic phenomena affecting the control of ship motion. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to apply knowledge of mathematics, rigid body dynamics, fluid mechanics, and engineering sciences to the analysis and prediction of ship manoeuvring characteristics, as well as to understand the physical mechanisms governing manoeuvrability and directional stability. The student will be capable of analyzing the influence of hull geometry, rudder characteristics, propulsion systems, and other control devices on ship manoeuvring performance, and of critically evaluating possibilities for improving manoeuvrability in accordance with design requirements and applicable international standards. The student will acquire knowledge of experimental, empirical, and numerical methods for manoeuvrability assessment, the analysis of test results, and the application of relevant criteria for evaluating ship manoeuvring performance. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to select and apply appropriate methods for the analysis and prediction of ship manoeuvring characteristics, taking into account the limitations of the applied methods, operational conditions, and waterway constraints. The student will also be capable of using and critically evaluating relevant scientific and technical literature, as well as proposing and assessing technical solutions aimed at improving the safety, efficiency, and manoeuvring performance of modern ships.

The theoretical teaching emphasizes introducing students to the fundamental principles of ship manoeuvrability, along with essential mathematical formulations concerning: 1) basic principles of ship handling and manoeuvring; 2) theoretical approach – involves developing methods for numerical assessing ship manoeuvrability and analyzing the advantages and limitations of these methods; 3) experimental approach – involves discussing standard manoeuvrability tests, including model tests (free model tests and captive model tests), and full-scale tests of existing ships (such as spiral and reverse spiral tests, pull-out tests, Z tests, turning tests, etc.); Students are introduced to mandatory regulations concerning manoeuvrability, as well as to various technical solutions, i.e. control devices commonly used to regulate the ship’s course during navigation.

Within practical teaching, the emphasis is placed on applying theoretical knowledge to everyday engineering practice. Practical guidance is provided on conducting standard manoeuvrability tests for existing ships. Students are introduced to both active control devices (such as side jet propulsors, pump pushers, and steering propulsion devices) and passive control devices (including various types of rudders). Additionally, recommendations are provided for ship design and the selection of appropriate control devices to enhance manoeuvring characteristics and meet criteria outlined by IMO regulations. During practical teaching, various computational tasks are considered, to apply the theoretical concepts discussed.

There are no prerequisites.

Extracts from lectures (handouts). Detailed reports from measurements. Manufacturer's product brochures. Internet resources. Relevant books and professional papers. Relevant IMO documents.

Total assigned hours: 75

New material: 30
Elaboration and examples (recapitulation): 0

Auditory exercises: 30
Laboratory exercises: 0
Calculation tasks: 0
Seminar paper: 0
Project: 0
Consultations: 0
Discussion/workshop: 0
Research study work: 0

Review and grading of calculation tasks: 5
Review and grading of lab reports: 0
Review and grading of seminar papers: 0
Review and grading of the project: 0
Test: 5
Test: 0
Final exam: 5

Activity during lectures: 5
Test/test: 55
Laboratory practice: 0
Calculation tasks: 0
Seminar paper: 0
Project: 0
Final exam: 40
Requirement for taking the exam (required number of points): 30

E. Lewis, (editor): Principles of Naval Architecture (Chapter IX – Controllability), SNAME, Jersey City, 1988.; J. Brix: Maneuvering Technical Manual, Seehafen Verlag, Hamburg, 1993.; A.F. Molland, S.R. Turnock: Marine Rudders and Control Surfaces, Butterworth – Heinemann, 2007; Extracts from lectures (handouts); Relevant IMO Documents