It is very difficult to classify ships by type, particularly because the various types of ship differ not only by their purpose, but also by the permissible operational area, by various naval architectural features, type of propulsion machinery and a number of other features.
Kunzima kakhulu ukwahlula-hlula iinqanawa ngokwentlobo, ngenxa yento yokuba iintlobo ntlobo zeenqanawa azahluki ngokomsebenzi, kodwa zahluka nangendawo zokusebenza ezivumelekileyo, ngeentlobo-ntlobo zeenqanawa ezinesimo esakhelwe ukuhamba emanzini, uhlobo lomatshini ohambayo kwakunye nezimo ezininzi.