Braking mechanism for ships - is operated by lowering a scoop below the hull to increase drag

摘要

The braking mechanism is hydraulically operated and may be controlled from the bridge. The mechanism consists of two jacks which operate the scoop. The scoop is made of steel plate and can be lowered from a sealed housing, within the hull, to protrude below the hull. The scoop faces the bow of the ship and may be one of several. It is lowered around a horizontal hinge. The first jack lowers the whole assembly out of the hull and the second jack pivots it. This method of stopping a ship is more effective than reversing propellers, and requires no engine power to operate it other than the power required to drive the jacks.