Der Fährprahm wird durch die Strömung an einem quer auf dem Flußboden verlegten Seil über Rollen geführt. Die richtige Schrägstellung des Prahms erfolgt durch Umhängen des Seiles in die entsprechenden Laufrollen. Beim beginnenden Wechsel der Strömungsrichtung bzw. bei Stillstand des Wassers (Gezeiteneinfluß) muß der Fährmann den Prahm von Hand am Seil voranziehen, außerdem muß der Prahm in Strommitte gedreht werden.

The non self-contained prahm of the ferry at Oberndorf is guided along a rope installed in the river bottom via rollers. After having been secured in corresponding rope pulleys or rollers the prahm will drift on the river in the direction of flow initially after departure, will then be banked in relation to the flow and in this way will yaw or sheer to the other bank. In the opposite direction the prahm will be brought into the correct banking position by being secured in other rollers. Since the direction of flow as well as the water levels of the Oste river will be subject to tidal influences, the prahm must be turned in the middle of the river as the direction of flow will change. In this way, the rollers will remain in a position facing the flow. The prahm used in this place was built in the year of 1911. The ferry place Oberndorf is traceable more than 300 years back. Operation of the ferry was closed down in 1977.