Ship Handling

Engineering casualties that effect control of ship

• Loss of lube oil. Will stop and lock the shaft, causing ship to loss propulsion.
• Loss of vacuum. When vacuum level drops below normal, a RED alarm light in DCC will warn the Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW). If the vacuum drops to 21 inches, the ship's speed will be limited to 2/3, at 18 inches, the ship will be limited to 1/3, and at 15 inches the engines will be stopped, causing ship to loss propulsion.
• Low water in the boiler. Will limit speed and maneuverability, and could cause an excessive steam temperature which might warp the turbine blades causing the turbines to be shut down, causing ship to loss propulsion.
• High water in the boiler. Wet steam droplets could form that would destroy the steam turbine, causing ship to loss propulsion.
• Loss of generator. All power stops, emergency generator takes over providing enough power to sustain vitals until repairs are completed. Ship could still be controlled but its fighting capabilities would be limited.   
• Loss of pitch control. Will limit attainable speed.
• Loss of steering control. Reduced control of ships heading.
• Jammed throttle. Loss of speed control and maneuverability.
• Jammed rudder. Loss of steering control.
• Hot bearing on main engine. Requires stopping of that shaft, resulting in loss of even thrust through the water and decreasing maneuverability and speed.

Navigation Lights a Ship Must Display Under Certain Conditions

• Underway. In general, a ship must show a masthead light, sidelights, a stern light, and a range light.
• In Port, Moored. In general, a ship must show a mast light, a jack staff light, a bow light, a stern light, and aircraft warning lights. Shipboard lights are constant and land-based lights are pulsating.
• At Anchor. In general, a ship must show two 32-point white lights, one forward and another aft stationed, with the aft light lower than the forward light.
• Engaged in Special Operations. In addition to normal underway lights, there are many required combinations of lights to be displayed when engaged in special operations, such as towing, underway replenishment, etc. For example, when engaged in underway replenishment operations, a ship must display a vertical Red-White-Red combination on the mast to warn other vessels.