Improving ship maneuverability standards as a means for increasing ship controllability and safety

In this paper, the need for further maneuvering criteria and standards is indicated. Possible means for advancing existing IMO ship maneuverability standards are discussed, together with the uncertainties associated in this process. It is believed that more accurate modeling tools can be developed with the aid of new and greatly improved shipboard instrumentation. These tools will enable further development of ship maneuverability performance standards with a methodology for assuring required capabilities through analytical means that do not require running of full-scale tests in impractical conditions. Through these means ship design, ship operational safety and maritime ship controllability standards can be developed and come to a practical implementation.