Speed Changing

Speed changing manoeuvres are important for ships. The equation of motion for the longitudinal direction may be used to determine the time required for a desired speed change and the distance travelled in that time but this method has some problems which are explained. There are some other factors that affect speed changing and these are described. The stopping manoeuvre is explained in some detail. A numerical simulation of this manoeuvre is difficult and some simplifications are often used. Procedures to avoid a collision are briefly considered.