Slamming

A sudden impact produced when part of a vessel’s hull re-enters or strikes the water with substantial relative velocity.

Bottom slamming often affects forward flatter sections after they emerge in waves, while bow flare, wet-deck and stern slamming occur in other hull forms and conditions. The event creates short-duration pressure loads, noise and acceleration rather than merely describing ordinary pitching.

Repeated or severe slamming can injure people, damage structure and equipment and reduce speed. Course, speed and loading changes may reduce impact frequency or severity, but the response depends on wave encounter, hull shape and vessel limits.