Nicholls's Seamanship and Nautical Knowledge

The maritime sector is continuously changing, particularly in terms of ship size, technology and legislation. Since the last edition in 2014, this book has been updated to provide guidance both practically and informatively, and further sources of information are provided throughout the book.

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I noted in the Preface to the last edition of Nicholls’s Seamanship and Nautical Knowledge in 2014 that the maritime world is continuously changing, particularly in terms of ship size, technology and legislation. Five years later that remains the situation and the one constant I mentioned then, manning, is still and undoubtedly will remain, at a level precluding all but basic maintenance.

Thus, Nicholls’s Seamanship will continue to provide guidance at a practical level and, probably more importantly, to other sources of detailed information.

There are many changes in this 30th edition, the most noticeable of which is the extensive use of colour and new illustrations, both photographic and drawn. Legislation continues to be an area which changes continuously and such changes are incorporated where appropriate. The chapter on stability has been re-arranged and re-written to reflect the use of technology in
calculating stability while providing the principles behind those calculations. It will be noted that some out-dated practices, e.g. laying out ground tackle using lifeboats, have been removed.

However, Nicholls’s Seamanship continues to cover a very wide range of subjects and the author will always be grateful for suggestions to improve a future edition as well as notification of any errors. The input of fellow seafarers, colleagues, experts, organisations and friends to ensure that the book reflects current knowledge and good practice is greatly valued.