ABSTRACT
This paper focuses on ship manoeuvring control from the practical end of the design spectrum. In specifying adequate ship control, the advent of dynamic performance standards are discussed. The results of an international survey throughout the maritime fraternity place the onus firmly with the naval architect to design a vessel with adequate inherent controllability which would satisfy any performance standards proposed. The role of the shiphandler as an adaptive controller is briefly discussed. The lack of mariner training in terms of controller efficacy is highlighted.
