Nautical Term: Landing strake
Definition of Landing strake
A landing stake, also referred to as the second strake, is a horizontal marker located approximately two strikes or 1.8 meters inboard from the outer edge of a ship’s gunwale. This marking assists navigators and sailors in maintaining proper alignment with the ship’s intended course or channel, as well as ensuring safe passage during docking maneuvers.
For instance, during the process of berthing a container ship alongside a quay, the captain and crew rely on precise alignment and positioning. With the assistance of the landing stakes or second strikes, the ship’s deckhand or pilot expertly maneuvers the vessel’s bow or stem alongside the quay’s fender or bollard. By ensuring a secure and proper connection between the ship and the quay, the crew can safely transfer cargo, fuel, and provisions between the ship and the shore.
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