Ship Handling
Ship Handling is the essential skill of controlling and maneuvering large vessels safely. It's like driving a car, but much more complex because ships move more slowly, are affected by wind and water currents, and take much longer to stop. Ship handlers must consider many factors like weather conditions, water depth, and other vessels while moving these massive vehicles. This skill is crucial for ship captains, maritime officers, and port pilots who need to safely navigate vessels in various conditions, especially in tight spaces like ports and busy waterways.
Examples in Resumes
Demonstrated excellence in Ship Handling while commanding vessels up to 300,000 DWT
Performed complex Ship Handling maneuvers in challenging port conditions
10 years of Ship Handling experience with various vessel types including container ships and tankers
Typical job title: "Ship Captains"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Ship Captains
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: Can you describe a challenging situation you've faced while handling a ship in difficult conditions?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate experience managing emergency situations, decision-making under pressure, and consideration of crew safety, environmental conditions, and vessel limitations.
Q: How do you plan for handling a large vessel in a new port you've never visited before?
Expected Answer: Candidate should mention studying port information, consulting with local pilots, reviewing weather patterns, understanding tidal conditions, and preparing contingency plans.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when docking a ship in strong winds?
Expected Answer: Should discuss wind direction and speed, use of tugboats, anchor positioning, engine power management, and communication with shore personnel.
Q: How do you coordinate with tugboat operators during complex maneuvers?
Expected Answer: Look for understanding of clear communication protocols, knowledge of tug capabilities, and experience in coordinating multiple resources.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic principles of ship handling you always keep in mind?
Expected Answer: Should mention understanding of pivot points, stopping distances, turning circles, and basic effects of wind and current on vessel movement.
Q: How do you prepare for departure from port?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic checklist items like weather checking, equipment testing, crew briefing, and communication with port authorities.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-3 years)
- Basic vessel maneuvering in good conditions
- Understanding of navigation equipment
- Knowledge of safety procedures
- Basic communication with port authorities
Mid (3-7 years)
- Handling vessels in challenging weather
- Port operations in various conditions
- Effective tug boat coordination
- Emergency situation management
Senior (7+ years)
- Expert ship handling in all conditions
- Advanced emergency management
- Training and mentoring junior officers
- Complex port maneuver planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- Limited understanding of basic safety protocols
- Poor communication skills
- Lack of hands-on experience with different vessel types
- No knowledge of international maritime regulations
- Unable to explain decision-making in emergency situations
