A Study on Comparison between Center of Lateral Resistance and Pivot Point being Used in Handling Ships at the Present Time

The traditional theory regarding the pivot point of a ship during maneuvering, so called apparent pivot point, is located nearly at 1/3 ship's length from the bow when the ship is moving ahead, and between 1/4 ship's length from the stern and the rudder post when going astern. The pivot point is sometimes considered to be the centre of leverage for forces acting on the ship. However, the pivot point is located out of ship due to strong lateral force, such as current and it is very inconvenient to use during maneuvering a ship. In this paper firstly, pivot points due to ship's condition are investigated carefully. And then the center of lateral resistance used at the present are determined. While a new lateral force is added, we can compare the pivot point with the center of lateral forces. Finally, we will suggest the center of all lateral forces for maneuvering instead of pivot point. Especially, it will be very helpful for pilots to handle ships in simulation.