Harbour Pilotage and the Handling and Mooring of Ships. By
R. A. B. Ardley. (Faber and Faber. 12s. 6d.)
IT seems scarcely credible that many volumes on the complicated practice of handling ships hale not already been written. Chapters are included in this seamanship book and that, but nothing has appeared to compare with this detailed, almost scientific, study of the factors that influence the manoeuvrability of screw-driven ships. Lieutenant-Commander Ardley's book becomes at once the standard work on the subject: until new methods are found of propelling ships (jet-propulsion, variable-pitch screws, who knows?), there can hardly be cause to 'write another. The handling of ships is a matter for theoretical study as well as personal experience ; the latter is so very hard to come by until a seaman gets his first command. To wait until then before broaching the subject is clearly folly ; self-confidence and a " good eye " are seldom adequate by them- selves and are certainly not attributes possessed by all. An under- standing of the reasons how and why is essential before correct decisions can be made ; young officers have little opportunity to practise, and ships are expensive things for experiments when a simple misjudgement can cause such consequences. Surely ship- handling is a subject for careful study before venturing to try one's hand. Whatever manoeuvre may confront a captain taking his ship to a strange harbour, and whatever difficulties may be caused by wind, stream, bad trim, shallow water and confined space, this book with its explanations and diagrams will discuss the problem and supply the answer. Seamen who hope one day to command their own vessels will find it worthy of the closest examination, and even experienced sea captains may be grateful to refresh their memories in its learned pages.
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