Emergency Maneuvering at Sea – Single Turn / Williamson Turn

Admin
Jun 25
2 min read

Updated: Jun 26

Emergency Maneuvering at Sea – Single Turn / Williamson Turn

Emergency turns are an essential part of ship handling — especially during man overboard, collision avoidance, or search and rescue situations. While bridge simulators teach the theory, real experience at sea matters most.

Let’s go over the most widely recognized ship maneuvering turns, how to perform them step by step, and when each is used — all based on international best practice and IMO guidance.

🔁 1. Williamson Turn (IMO Approved – MOB Recovery)

Purpose: Used primarily for man overboard recovery, especially when the person has fallen unnoticed and their position is uncertain.

How to Execute (if the person fell to starboard):

Rudder hard to starboard.
When the heading has changed by 60°, put rudder hard to port.
Ship will turn back on reciprocal course, ideally running back on own wake.

✅ Benefits:

Good for night or poor visibility.
Returns ship to approximately original track.
Approved and taught under IMO Model Courses.

🔄 2. Single Turn (Anderson Turn)

Purpose: Fastest method to return to a known point — often used if the person overboard is clearly visible and time is critical.

How to Execute (MOB to starboard):

Rudder hard to starboard.
Keep turning full circle (~250°) until ship is heading ~ back toward MOB.
Stop engines if needed to avoid overshoot.

✅ Benefits:

Quickest method to return.
Best in clear weather and daytime MOB.
Less ideal in low visibility due to imprecise track.

🔃 3. Scharnow Turn

Purpose: Used to return to a point well astern (e.g., if you realize late that someone fell overboard or an object needs retrieval).

How to Execute (example):

Rudder hard over (same side as MOB).
After heading changes by 240°, shift rudder hard opposite.
Complete turn when heading is reciprocal.

✅ Benefits:

Effective for recovery when already far ahead of target.
Returns along reciprocal path.

⚓ Why These Maneuvers Matter

Each of these turns has different tactical use:

Williamson: Night, poor visibility, uncertain MOB position
Single Turn: Fastest return, clear daylight situation
Scharnow: Delayed response or recovery of object far astern

✅ Best Practice: Practice Underway

🚨 You don’t learn ship handling only from paper or simulators. Every officer should practice these maneuvers in calm weather, under Master’s supervision.

Why practice Emergency Maneuvering at Sea – Single Turn / Williamson Turn?