Ship UKC (Under Keel Clearance)
- Admin
- Sep 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 11
🌊 Understanding Ship UKC (Under Keel Clearance)
When navigating ships through ports, rivers, and coastal areas, one of the most important safety considerations is Ship UKC – Under Keel Clearance.
🚢 What is UKC (Under Keel Clearance)?
Under Keel Clearance (UKC) is the vertical distance between the lowest point of the ship’s keel and the seabed. In simple terms, it’s the “safety gap” of water under your ship.
🧭 Why is Ship UKC (Under Keel Clearance) Important?
Prevents grounding: If the keel touches the seabed, the vessel can suffer serious damage, pollution, or even total loss.
Ensures safe navigation: Ports, channels, and rivers often have restricted depths. Without enough UKC, safe passage is impossible.
Protects cargo and schedule: Grounding or delays due to insufficient clearance can cause huge financial and operational losses.
📅 When Do We Need to Consider Ship UKC (Under Keel Clearance)?
UKC must always be checked when:
Entering or leaving ports and terminals
Navigating in shallow or confined waters
Anchoring
Alongside berth
During river passages or coastal transits
In all these situations, the available depth can change with tides, squat, trim, and other factors — so maintaining a safe UKC is critical.
Instead of trying to remember complex formulas or rules, you can use our interactive UKC calculator here on Master Work Station (MWS). It’s designed for mariners who want quick, reliable results that follow real shipboard practice.
👉 Try it out today and make your passage planning easier and safer.
⚠️ Important Note for All Mariners
Always follow your company’s UKC policy. Check the required minimum Ship UKC (Under Keel Clearance) for the area (open waters, coastal, river, alongside, or at anchor).
If UKC is below company limits, contact your Marine Superintendent for risk assessment and approval.
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