The Control of Ships' Speed in Heavy Weather

Extract

The description by Captain Evans and Captain Burger of the damage sustained by the MV. Geestport suggests that at the time of the impact it was night and that therefore it was difficult for the officers to suit the ship speed to the waves. In general a decrease of ship speed in given sea conditions will have little effect upon pitch motion, but vertical motion, or heave, will be lessened, and because of changed phase relationships, the relative vertical motion between ship bow and wave will be markedly reduced. The choice of a prudent speed for a particular situation at present depends upon the judgment of individual Masters. Some are too cautious, and waste time at sea, while others are too daring, so that their ship suffers damage. It should be possible to select a speed which cuts the risk of damage to a relatively small one while the minimum possible time is lost. A particular Master might be able to judge his speed well, but how can such wisdom be transmitted to others?