Why do ships always seem to be pouring water from the side?

Question

I always see ships that seem to be shooting water from the hull, why do they do this?

Is it water sucked in by the engine for cooling purposes which is then pumped back overboard?

https://i.redd.it/ip5h2hn9qq791.jpg

In: 4419

Answer 1

> Is it water sucked in by the engine for cooling purposes which is then pumped back overboard?

This is the main reason, yes.

It’s done above the water line so people can check it’s working. If it isn’t working, the engine will overheat quickly.