This paper deals with the application of nonparametric system identification to the nonlinear maneuvering of ships using neural network method. The maneuvering equations contain linear as well as nonlinear terms, and one does not attempt to determine the parameters (or hydrodynamic derivatives) associated with nonlinear terms, rather all nonlinear terms are clubbed together to form one unknown time function per equation, which are sought to be represented by neural network coefficients. The time series used in training the network are obtained from simulated data of zigzag and spiral maneuvers. The neural network has one middle or hidden layer of neurons and the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm is used to obtain the network coefficients. Using the best choices for number of hidden layer neurons, length of training data, convergence tolerance, and so forth, the performances of the proposed neural network models have been investigated and conclusions drawn.