INTERACTION

Interaction effects between ships arise from changes in and

interference between the pressure fields which surround the
ships when underway.

The pressure field pattern around a large ship with headway is

shown.
STERN BOW
WAVE WAVE

A high positive pressure (greater than static pressure) is near the

bow, a negative pressure near to amidships and another, but not
so high, positive pressure at the stern.

Consider the following situations.

Interaction (MAR) 1
Head on encounter in a narrow channel
Reduce speed to what is necessary to maintain steerage at about
1.5 nm apart.

When 0.75-0.5 nm apart both vessels to break to starboard

As both ships meet positive pressure at the bows will cause

them to repel each other. Use port helm to balance interaction
effect. Increase speed if necessary to improve rudder effect.

As ships pass reduced pressure amidships will draw them

together, this is countered by starboard helm.

Interaction (MAR) 2
As the sterns become adjacent the lesser positive pressures will
cause repelling forces, causing the bow to swing to port which
may be countered by starboard helm.

As the ships clear each other both should end up near mid-
channel.

Interaction (MAR) 3
Small vessel overtaking a larger one
Consider the following situation where a small vessel, such as a
tug, is overtaking a larger vessel. Such a situation might arise
when passing a tow rope to the tug.

1 2 3 4

Position 1
The tug will tend to sheer away from the larger one, port helm
necessary to counter the sheer.

Position 2
As the bow of the tug draws level with amidships the positive
pressures that exist at both sterns will cause the tug to sheer
inwards towards the larger vessel. Apply starboard helm.

Position 3
Negative pressures of both vessel’s hulls may draw the tug
closer, however the boundary layer that exists between the two
vessels will overcome this effect causing a net outward yaw so
moderate port helm will be required.

Interaction (MAR) 4
Position 4
As the tug reaches the bow of the larger vessel the positive
pressures of both vessels will cause the bow to swing out to
starboard. Counter with port helm.

Position 5

In this position the tug is vulnerable. The positive pressure at

the bow of the larger vessel and the smaller positive pressure of
the tugs stern will cause the tug to sheer across the larger
vessel’s bow.
In addition, the flow of water between the two vessels will act
on the face of the tug’s rudder making the sheer effect worse.
If passing lines the ships should be almost stopped to prevent
risk of capsize. Consider also the effect of any bow wave.
These effects will be much more prominent in shallow water!

Interaction (MAR) 5