Ship Squat | Understanding Shallow Water Effects on Ships, UKC, Trim & Safe Navigation

Ship Squat Explained — UKC, Trim & Safe Navigation (Complete Guide for Mariners) This video provides a clear and practical explanation of *Ship Squat* — a critical concept every navigating officer must understand when operating in shallow or restricted waters. Squat occurs when a vessel seems to “sink” deeper while moving ahead, reducing *Under Keel Clearance (UKC)* and increasing the risk of grounding. You’ll see how increased water flow beneath the hull reduces pressure, pulling the ship downward — especially in rivers, ports, channels, and confined waterways. 🔍 What You’ll Learn ✔️ What is Ship Squat? How vessel movement creates low-pressure areas under the hull, reducing UKC (without actually increasing draft). ✔️ Factors Affecting Squat • Ship’s speed (most critical factor) • Block coefficient & hull form ✔️ Squat Formulas (Open vs Confined Waters) Simple methods for estimating squat safely during passage planning. ✔️ Trim Due to Squat Why passenger ships trim by stern — and bulkers/tankers trim by head. ✔️ UKC & Voyage Planning How to account for heel, list, trim, seabed irregularities, appendages, survey tolerances & vessel motion. ✔️ Signs of Squat Onboard Sluggish steering, vibration, mud around hull, reduced RPM, increased turning circle. ✔️ How to Reduce Squat The safest control measure: *reduce speed while maintaining steerage way.* 🎯 Who Should Watch? • Chief Mates & OOWs • Cadets & maritime students • Officers preparing for competency exams • Navigators operating in shallow/restricted waters 🌐 Connect with Sailor Rider YouTube:    / @sailor_rider   Facebook:   / 19imzynlrp   Instagram: https://instagram.com/sailor_rider?ig... Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sailor_rider Tags ship squat under keel clearance explained shallow water effect ships bernoulli principle ship navigation squat calculation formula ukc planning for officers ship trim by head stern shallow channel navigation tips merchant navy training video chief mate exam preparation #Navigation #MerchantNavy #ShipHandling #UKC #MarineSafety