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Under-Keel Clearance (UKC)

Net UKC = charted depth + tide − draft − squat − wave allowance − safety margin. The fundamental pilot-card number.

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Formula, assumptions, and limits

UKC=Hchart+TtideTdraftSsquatWwaveM\text{UKC} = H_\text{chart} + T_\text{tide} - T_\text{draft} - S_\text{squat} - W_\text{wave} - M
SymbolMeaningUnit
HchartH_\text{chart}Charted depthm
TtideT_\text{tide}Tide heightm
TdraftT_\text{draft}Static draftm
SsquatS_\text{squat}Dynamic squatm
WwaveW_\text{wave}Wave allowancem
MMSafety marginm
UKCUKCUnder-keel clearancem

Source: IMO MSC.1/Circ.1421 - UKC guidelines; PIANC WG121 - Harbour approach design

In short

Net UKC = charted depth + tide \u2212 draft \u2212 squat \u2212 wave allowance \u2212 safety margin.

Learn the theory Pilotage Operations: SOLAS V, IMO Rules, BRM