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Originally posted by kach22i
1. Sorry about the open ended question void of contex, I was thinking about something which happened 30 years ago - Never mind.
2. How do they keep the ships apart? I guessing they lower the speed, keep a safe distance and pray? No tugs out there, do any of the ships in the picture have bow or stern thruster?
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No issues about your question, Kach, it is fun to try and solve those type of posts...
To answer your other question, please remember that I am not an expert on ship handling, rather, was conscripted as an "Air Boss" and had to learn the basics of the trade.
That said: The ships generally turn into the prevailing sea, make turns for eight knots or so and join up via very proscribed maneuvers. None of the ships have tugs or thrusters...they use rudder to counter the forces (think the venturi effect) of the water rushing between hulls.
Depending on the sea state, it is a fairly benign operation. Do a search on "Underway Replenishment"
