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Research by BMT Answers MCA's Concerns
01 Nov 2006
An extensive programme of research has been completed by BMT SeaTech Ltd for the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Concern regarding the behaviour of high speed craft, especially those carrying passengers in large seas from astern was expressed by the MCA. In such seas fast vessels may surf, broach or fall foul of ‘bow diving’. This could result in damage to the superstructure of the vessel, which could flood the accommodation space.
BMT was commissioned to complete research to fill gaps in knowledge which previously existed. The programme involved extensive physical and computer modelling, carried out over a period of two and a half years.
Surfing, broaching and bow diving were all reproduced in the model tests and comprehensive measurements on board the models allowed details of the phenomena to be revealed and understood. As a result of these tests a computer model, calibrated against the model test results, was developed and can be used to give guidance on design.
The model tests also provided valuable operational information for mariners which has been used by BMT to provide draft guidance notes for masters of high speed craft. A short video has been produced for the MCA which demonstrates the sort of behaviour fast craft may exhibit in following seas as well as providing operational information for the avoidance of the more extreme behaviour.
Dr Ian Band, technical director of BMT SeaTech and leader of this project said, ‘This study has illuminated aspects of fast craft behaviour in large following sea and it is our hope that it will make a significant contribution to their future safety.’
MJ Information No: 22405
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