Wash (Vessel-generated Waves)

Waves or turbulent water generated by a vessel’s hull or propulsion system.

Hull-generated wash forms part of the wake, while propeller and thruster wash can create strong local jets even when the vessel has little speed over the ground. Shallow or confined water can amplify wave height, bank interaction and seabed disturbance.

Wash can endanger small craft, swimmers and people working at the water’s edge and can damage moorings or erode banks. Operators must judge actual effect, not only speed or distance, and account for delayed waves reaching places out of direct view.