What is Ship Squat?

Ship squat is a hydrodynamic phenomenon that occurs when a ship is moving through shallow water, and it causes the ship to sink deeper into the water. When a ship moves through the water, it creates a low-pressure area underneath its hull due to the velocity of the water flow.

This low-pressure area causes the water to rush toward the ship, which in turn creates a high-pressure area at the bow and stern of the ship. As the ship moves through shallow water, the water passing underneath the hull encounters the sea floor, which restricts its movement.

This results in a buildup of water pressure in front of the ship and a corresponding drop in pressure behind the ship.

This pressure differential causes the ship to sink deeper into the water, and the amount of sinking is known as the squat.