The value of readily available maneuvering information on the ship’s bridge can not be
overemphasized as it is of crucial importance to the master, navigating officers and pilots
for discharging their duties efficiently and enhancing the safety of navigation.
Having regard to the variety of circumstances that a ship may encounter and the ship’s
characteristic maneuvering capabilities, the IMO Assembly adopted in 1968 in Resolution
A.160 on ”Recommendation on Data Concerning Maneuvering Capabilities and Stopping
Distances of Ships”.