Poor steering effectiveness in downstream flow is a common situation in navigation. This is because downstream flow will increase the speed of the ship, and the force of the water flow on the ship will also increase, thus affecting the control effect of the rudder on the ship !
On the one hand, downstream flow will accelerate the water flow speed around the ship’s rudder blade, reduce the pressure difference of the rudder, and lead to a decrease in rudder force. On the other hand, downstream flow may cause the ship to drift, making the direction of action of the rudder inconsistent with the actual movement direction of the ship, further weakening the steering effectiveness !
When A Fishing Boat Enters The Sluice Gate Downstream During Rising Water, A Collision May Occur For The Following Reasons :
I. Flow Factors
During rising water, the flow is usually more turbulent and unstable. In downstream conditions, the flow will push the fishing boat forward rapidly, making it difficult to control the speed of the fishing boat. The powerful impact of the water flow may cause the fishing boat to deviate from the planned route and directly rush towards the sluice gate facilities or other objects, resulting in a collision !
II. Increased Difficulty In Control
1. Reduced Steering Effectiveness
As mentioned earlier, downstream flow will accelerate the water flow speed around the ship’s rudder blade, reduce the pressure difference of the rudder, and lead to a decrease in rudder force. At the same time, downstream flow may cause the ship to drift, making the direction of action of the rudder inconsistent with the actual movement direction of the ship, further weakening the steering effectiveness. As a result, the captain may have difficulty accurately controlling the direction of the fishing boat and cause a collision !
2. Speed Change
The downstream flow brought by rising water will cause the speed of the fishing boat to increase suddenly. The captain may not have time to adapt to this change and cannot adjust the speed and direction in time when entering the sluice gate !
III. Environmental Changes
1. Obstructed Vision
Rising water may bring a large amount of floating objects, foam, etc., which will affect the crew’s vision and make it difficult for them to see the situation of the sluice gate and surrounding obstacles, increasing the risk of collision !
2. Changes In Riverbed Topography
Rising water may cause changes in riverbed topography, affecting the draft depth and stability of the fishing boat. During the process of entering the sluice gate, the fishing boat may lose balance due to not adapting to the new riverbed condition and a collision may occur !
IV. Human Factors
1. Lack Of Experience
If the captain lacks experience in entering the sluice gate downstream during rising water, mistakes may occur in judging the flow speed and fishing boat operation, leading to a collision accident !
2. Carelessness
During the operation process, the crew may be careless and neglect certain key links, such as not adjusting the course in time and not correctly judging the distance from the sluice gate, thus triggering a collision !
To Avoid Similar Accidents, The Following Measures Can Be Taken :
I. Strengthen Observation And Early Warning
1. Use advanced hydrological monitoring equipment to timely understand the rising water situation and flow changes and provide accurate information for fishing boats entering the sluice gate !
2. Set up obvious warning signs and signal lights near the sluice gate to remind fishing boats to pay attention to flow changes and potential dangers !
II. Improve Crew Quality
1. Strengthen crew training to improve their operation skills and emergency handling capabilities under complex flow conditions !
2. Cultivate the safety awareness and sense of responsibility of the crew to avoid carelessness and illegal operations !
III. Optimize Sluice Gate Management
1. Reasonably arrange the time for fishing boats to enter the sluice gate and avoid concentrating on entering during times of rapid flow such as rising water !
2. Strengthen the maintenance and management of the sluice gate to ensure the integrity and stable operation of sluice gate facilities !