Shakedown cruise
Encyclopedia
Shakedown cruise is a nautical term in which the performance of a ship
is tested. Shakedown cruises are also used to familiarize the ship's crew with operation of the craft.
In the travel industry a shakedown cruise is undertaken to test a ship's systems, both mechanical and human. These test cruises are sometimes made with passengers traveling at a discount.
It has been proposed that the origin of “shakedown cruise” comes from the need to settle (or literally shakedown) the ballast
in the hold of a ship to ensure it is level in the water. However, this would only apply to very granular ballast material such as sand. The term is more likely to have arisen due to the transition from sail to power. The advent of engines within the hull of a ship caused severe vibration. Such vibration would be aggravated by uneven running and different sea conditions. A new ship had many fixtures and fittings throughout its accommodation and work spaces. As the maiden voyage progressed, these would become loose and in many cases fall to the deck.. they would be shaken-down. For this reason, it was common for the shipyard to send a 'shake-down' team with the ship on her maiden voyage. These men would be specialists equipped with the proper tools and spares to re-locate or replace any shake-down displaced fixtures or fittings.
The term can also refer in a generic sense to the process of testing out any new technology
or systems.
submarine
, was the first vessel to execute a submerged circumnavigation
while on its shakedown cruise in early 1960. Triton is the only U.S. Navy ship to receive a Presidential Unit Citation
for its shakedown cruise.
Ship
Since the end of the age of sail a ship has been any large buoyant marine vessel. Ships are generally distinguished from boats based on size and cargo or passenger capacity. Ships are used on lakes, seas, and rivers for a variety of activities, such as the transport of people or goods, fishing,...
is tested. Shakedown cruises are also used to familiarize the ship's crew with operation of the craft.
In the travel industry a shakedown cruise is undertaken to test a ship's systems, both mechanical and human. These test cruises are sometimes made with passengers traveling at a discount.
It has been proposed that the origin of “shakedown cruise” comes from the need to settle (or literally shakedown) the ballast
Ballast
-Objects:* Ballast tank, a device used on ships and submarines and other submersibles to control buoyancy and stability* Ballast weights, metallic plates used to bring auto racing vehicles up to the minimum mandated weight...
in the hold of a ship to ensure it is level in the water. However, this would only apply to very granular ballast material such as sand. The term is more likely to have arisen due to the transition from sail to power. The advent of engines within the hull of a ship caused severe vibration. Such vibration would be aggravated by uneven running and different sea conditions. A new ship had many fixtures and fittings throughout its accommodation and work spaces. As the maiden voyage progressed, these would become loose and in many cases fall to the deck.. they would be shaken-down. For this reason, it was common for the shipyard to send a 'shake-down' team with the ship on her maiden voyage. These men would be specialists equipped with the proper tools and spares to re-locate or replace any shake-down displaced fixtures or fittings.
The term can also refer in a generic sense to the process of testing out any new technology
Technology
Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures. The word technology comes ;...
or systems.
Famous examples
The USS Triton, a nuclear-powered radar picketRadar picket
A radar picket is a radar-equipped ship, submarine, aircraft, or vehicle used to increase the radar detection range around a force to protect it from surprise attack. Often several detached radar units encircle a force to provide increased cover in all directions.-World War II:Radar picket ships...
submarine
Submarine
A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation below the surface of the water. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability...
, was the first vessel to execute a submerged circumnavigation
Circumnavigation
Circumnavigation – literally, "navigation of a circumference" – refers to travelling all the way around an island, a continent, or the entire planet Earth.- Global circumnavigation :...
while on its shakedown cruise in early 1960. Triton is the only U.S. Navy ship to receive a Presidential Unit Citation
Presidential Unit Citation (US)
The Presidential Unit Citation, originally called the Distinguished Unit Citation, is awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and allies for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after 7 December 1941...
for its shakedown cruise.