Actually, ramming speed *is* a legitimate term, because it encompasses several
sub-sets of instructions, to wit:

1) Turn off or over-ride all safety mechanisms designed to protect a collision

2) Use full speed, without concern about fuel or other aspects (such as turning
away at the last minute).

Most big ships have safeguards designed to help prevent collisions; ramming
speed as an order over-rides those safety precautions (this per a Navy captain
who explained it to me a while back).

jms

(jmsatb5@aol.com)
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