What defenses do new ships have to protect from iceberg hits?

Most of the defenses new ships have against icebergs are measures to prevent them from hitting ice in the first place, rather than measures to keep them from sinking after a collision. There's the International Ice Patrol, which tracks icebergs in the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. read more

Most of the defenses new ships have against icebergs are measures to prevent them from hitting ice in the first place, rather than measures to keep them from sinking after a collision. There’s the International Ice Patrol, which tracks icebergs in the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. read more

This is a carryover from the days of ships steered by a tiller. To steer left (port) the tiller must be moved across to the right (starboard) side of the ship. Steering orders refer to the movement of the tiller. Presumably to prevent confusion, this was retained even when a wheel became common. read more

For example, as Titanic left the harbor on her maiden voyage, the New York pulled from its moorings and towards the giant liner. The ships came within inches of collision -- averted only by stopping Titanic, even with tugs pulling on New York. Many seaman called the near collision, by the New York on the way to New York, a bad omen. It was. 3. read more