Williamson turn

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Schematic representation of the Williamson turn

In addition to the turning circle, the Williamson turn is the man-over-board maneuver that is common in commercial shipping . The maneuver quickly brings a ship on the opposite course, back to the previously driven course line and to the starting point of the maneuver. The Williamson turn is the most suitable maneuver in almost all person overboard situations.

  1. Rudder hard over (with man overboard towards the victim)
  2. after 60 ° course change: rudder hard over on the opposite side
  3. 20 ° before the opposite course: rudder midships.

Of course, these values ​​are only intended as a guide. In practice, the values ​​vary depending on the ship, the weather situation and the nature of the sea. At least on large merchant ships, these values ​​are stored on a display board on the bridge in case of emergency.

Alternatives: As an immediate maneuver, a simple turning circle can be the most suitable maneuver, depending on the situation and vehicle. If the ship is already more than a turning circle diameter away from the scene of the accident, the Scharnow turn can also be suitable, in which the same geometry is traversed in the opposite direction.

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