[badwolf]

Hi Spike88,
I usually paddle about in a type IIa and often make attacks in shallow water early in the war. I have often had to skim the bottom at 2-3 metres under the keel in order to get deep as possible to avoid DC's (more maneuvering time). I have found the readings to be very accurate and with my new found skill never hit the bottom.

I can't guess what went wrong in your case.
Here's some of the things I take into account when diving close to the seabed.

1/. Constantly ask for DUK, therefore I have attached the command to one of my 5 mouse buttons for easy access.
2/. When diving you always overshoot your depth until it settles at set depth. The amount of overshoot depends on how big the depth change and speed. Also because of GWX positive bouyancy about 3 metres the sub will rise when settling to depth. So when I calculate the bottom the following is deducted 3 metres for +ve bouyancy + 3 metres for clearence + X metres for overshoot (X depends on depth change & speed). Once the depth is reached, then I make fine adjustments to get to 2 to 3 metres below keel, monitoring that the depth has stablised to that level.
3/. Constantly monitor depth under keel as seabed can rise quite quickly.
4/. Keep at low time compression. Don't increase until depth is stablised (very risky going above 8x).
5/. When making depth changes double check your command before issuing.
6/.Changes of speed alter your depth due to +ve bouyancy, very important when only 2-3 metres under keel.
7/. Watch your crewmen at controls, their actions will help in telling you what the boat is doing.

I had orders to go to East of Fife on a reconnance mission, which is only about 15 metres depth and shore batteries/patrols along the way. Because of the distance I had to travel during the Day 2-3 metres off the bottom. (got back safe though).

badwolf