The basic premise of navigation is to plan and execute the trip from berth to berth. Being a Master on the bridge and commanding the vessel as it approaches the terminal or berth go hand in hand. The Bridge and Engine departments collaborate. Always completely brief the pilot, ensuring that he knows the ship’s speed and maneuverability. Always consult with the pilot about the route and berthing arrangements. I hope you find the ship berthing guidelines and recommendations below useful.
The approach speed should be discussed with the pilots.
Ship berthing guidelines are as follows
| DWT < 60,000 M/T | DWT ≥ 60,000 M/T | |
| Distance to berth | Speed Head/Stern way | Speed Head/Stern way |
| 1,000 meters | Less than 4 knots | Less than 2 knots |
| Two times length overall or 300 meters | Less than 2 knots | Less than 1 knot |
| Next to berth (Parallel distance = 2 x breadth) | Zero Speed (NIL) | Zero Speed (NIL) |
Lateral berthing speed.
Please follow terminal or berth requirements if they are laid down.
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Recommended guidelines are as follows
| Distance to Destination | All Ship types (Speed less than cm/sec) | All Ship types (Speed less than knots) |
| 200 meters | 20 cm/sec | 0.4 knots |
| 100 meters | 15 cm/sec | 0.3 knots |
| 60 meters | 10 cm/sec | 0.2 knots |
| 30 meters | 5 cm/sec | 0.1 knot |
| Before coming alongside the berth | Practically stopped | Practically stopped |
