For a proper use of the features of SHIPMA , the user must have ample knowledge of:

• ship handling in restricted water;
• the specific problems related to slow-speed sailing;
• tug assistance procedures;
• the consequences of (changing) external forces due to currents, waves, wind and bank suction;
• ship's hydrodynamics.

and a basic knowledge of:

• the operating system of a personal computer (Windows) and;
• an ASCII text editor.