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

Draft Tide Forward Aft

HW 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 D/T 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. Mean bodily sinkage increases. 3. Ship will generally develop extra trim by the bow or the stern. 4. Wave-making increases, especially at the forward end of the ship. 5. Ship becomes more sluggish to manoeuvre - To quote a pilot, almost like being in porridge. 6. Draught indicators on the Bridge or echosounders will indicate changes in the end draughts.

Signs that a ship has entered shallow water conditions can be one or more of the following:
7. 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.

8. 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%.

9. 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:
10. Any Rolling, Pitching and Heaving motions will all be reduced as ship moves from deep water to shallow water conditions. 11. 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. 12. Turning Circle Diameter (TCD) increases. TCD in shallow water could increase 100%.

13. Stopping distances and stopping times increase, compared to when a vessel is in deep waters.
14. Effectiveness of the rudder helm decreases.