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Frederf · 08-10-09, 02:24 PM

Identification method:

1. Identify major class: warship, escort, merchant, or coastal.

I feel this is best done with hydrophones and comes with the most "feel." Merchants chug, warships pitter, and very small craft buzz or even have no sound (sampan, junk). Warships with a distinct mechanical whine are a good indication that they are big, juicy targets like carriers and cruisers. Escort warships tend to just have a plain engine noise.

2. What does the funnel look like?

Most ships have smoke funnels for engine exhaust. Is it in the middle? Is it at either end? A funnel at an end means tanker. Cargo merchants have them between the masts. Also take note if the funnel is tall and skinny or short and wide.

3. How many masts does it have?

Most small or medium merchants have 2 masts. The large ones have 3. Pay attention if the masts are single or doubles. There are a few ships with arches instead of single mast poles and that is a good feature to note.

4. What does the rigging look like?

Some ships have what I call "down rigging" like /_|_\ while others have "up rigging" like \|/. These are excellent features to note.

5. What is the shape of the superstructure?

Is it one piece and large? Is it 2-3 small structures? Does the funnel sit on top of the superstructure or does it sit on deck? Large, long, even superstructures can mean personnel transport.

With the above 5 rules you should be able to identify any stock merchant with a question to spare. Warships can be a lot harder but you see those a lot less. Guns and superstructure are the primary reference for cruisers and battleships. Make sure to look at the 45° angle view for a good second perspective on the ship.

Once you think you have a target identified by taking visual characteristics and comparing them against the book... do it in reverse! Pick something distinct on the picture and see if the target has it. I've caught several recognition mistakes this way.

08-10-09, 02:24 PM	#5
Frederf Seasoned Skipper Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 665 Downloads: 79 Uploads: 1	Identification method: 1. Identify major class: warship, escort, merchant, or coastal. I feel this is best done with hydrophones and comes with the most "feel." Merchants chug, warships pitter, and very small craft buzz or even have no sound (sampan, junk). Warships with a distinct mechanical whine are a good indication that they are big, juicy targets like carriers and cruisers. Escort warships tend to just have a plain engine noise. 2. What does the funnel look like? Most ships have smoke funnels for engine exhaust. Is it in the middle? Is it at either end? A funnel at an end means tanker. Cargo merchants have them between the masts. Also take note if the funnel is tall and skinny or short and wide. 3. How many masts does it have? Most small or medium merchants have 2 masts. The large ones have 3. Pay attention if the masts are single or doubles. There are a few ships with arches instead of single mast poles and that is a good feature to note. 4. What does the rigging look like? Some ships have what I call "down rigging" like /_\|_\ while others have "up rigging" like \\|/. These are excellent features to note. 5. What is the shape of the superstructure? Is it one piece and large? Is it 2-3 small structures? Does the funnel sit on top of the superstructure or does it sit on deck? Large, long, even superstructures can mean personnel transport. With the above 5 rules you should be able to identify any stock merchant with a question to spare. Warships can be a lot harder but you see those a lot less. Guns and superstructure are the primary reference for cruisers and battleships. Make sure to look at the 45° angle view for a good second perspective on the ship. Once you think you have a target identified by taking visual characteristics and comparing them against the book... do it in reverse! Pick something distinct on the picture and see if the target has it. I've caught several recognition mistakes this way.