Understanding the pivot point

(Study on the sideways motion and rotation of ships) By Capt. Hugues Cauvier

Introduction 

The following text brings forward a new understanding of the pivot point’s position shift while handling ships.  The proposed method, based on simple physical principles acting in combination, also outlines the limitation of  the term “pivot” used to qualify that point. We will start from a basic rule of the thumb, which has been the  traditional understanding of the pivot point until recently, and step up to more complex levels giving better  explanation of the real-life behaviour of rotating ships.  

The current approach highlights the effects that a side force applied on the ship has on the rotation and on the  sideways motion of the ship. The author believes that understanding these effects at any stage of manoeuvring is  more important than strictly dealing with the pivot point. The text is formatted so the reader can stop his study  when he reaches a level that suits his needs or curiosity. 

This article will also describe the phenomenon of the ship generated sideways current which effects have become obvious during practical trials made to deepen the understanding of the pivot point.  

After the theoretical part, you will find a section covering real life shiphandling situations for some of which the  traditional concept of the pivot point has no answer.

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