Under Keel Clearance

(UKC)

the distance between the deepest

point of the vessels hull
and the sea bed
 The OOW shall check prior to arriving at
positions where minimum UKC is expected,
that the calculated UKC is valid for the
current conditions.
 In determing the UKC, the following factors must
be considered:
1. The effect of Squat.
2. Environmental conditions (height of swell, tidal
height & range, changes in the density of waters).
3. The vessels size and handeling caracteristics,
and increase in draught due to heel.
4. The reliability of ships draught observations
and calculations.
5. The accuracy of Hydrographic data and tidal
predictions.
6. Reduced depths over pipelines.
 Minimum UKC for various areas of navigation:
1. Open Sea - minimum 6 meters
2. Narrow Channels - 15% of the deepest draught
3. In Port Navigation - 10% of the deepest draught
4. Alongside Berth - Minimum 0,50 meter

UKC calculations shall form a part of the

Voyage Plan, and the OOW shall have a copy
of the UKC calculations available when arriving
at the location where UKC considerations must
be observed.
UKC Calculation Form
Forward
Draft
Aft
HW
Tide
LW

Channel UKC Calculation

Minimum Depth =

Height of tide +

Available Depth =

Maximum Draft -

Static UKC =
 Maneuvering
shallow water
1. Coast Guard regulations define shallow
water as a ratio Water Depths/Draft of less
than 2 for assessing maneuvering
characteristics.

2. The shallow water depth typically refers to

1.2 times ship draft.
 Signs that a ship has entered shallow
water conditions can be one or more of
the following:
1. Maximum Ship Squat increases.
2. Ship will generally develop extra trim by the bow or
the stern.
3. Wave-making increases, especially at the forward
end of the ship.
4. Ship becomes more sluggish to manoeuvre - To
quote a pilot, almost like being in porridge.
The ship may start to vibrate suddenly. This is
because of the entrained water effects causing the
natural hull frequency to become resonant with
another frequency associated with the vessel.
 Signs that a ship has entered shallow
water conditions can be one or more of
the following:
6. Propeller rpm indicator will show a decrease:
If the ship is in open water conditions, this decrease
may be up to 15% of the Service rpm in deep water.
If the ship is in a confined channel, this decrease in rpm
can be up to 20% of the Service rpm.
7. There will be a drop in speed:
If the ship is in open water conditions this decrease may
be up to 35%.
If the ship is in a confined channel such as a river or a
canal then this decrease can be up to 75%.
8. Turning Circle Diameter (TCD) increases. TCD in
shallow water could increase 100%.
 Signs that a ship has entered shallow
water conditions can be one or more of
the following:

9. Any Rolling, Pitching and Heaving motions will all

be reduced as ship moves from deep water to
shallow water conditions.
10. The appearance of mud could suddenly show in
the water around the ships hull say in the event of
passing over a raised shelf or a submerged wreck.
11. Stopping distances and stopping times increase,
compared to when a vessel is in deep waters.
12. Effectiveness of the rudder helm decreases.