Ship Handling Flashcards

When maneuvering a single-screw vessel with a right-handed propeller in close quarters, the stern tends to swing to which side when going astern?

Answer: Starboard

A right-handed propeller in reverse produces paddle-wheel effect that kicks the stern to starboard.

What is the primary purpose of a 'spring line' when berthing a vessel?

Answer: To prevent fore-and-aft movement along the pier

Spring lines run at an angle along the ship's length to prevent the vessel from moving forward or aft along the dock.

The advance of a vessel is defined as the distance traveled in what direction during a turn?

Answer: Along the original course heading

Advance is the distance a ship moves forward (along the original course direction) from the time the helm is put over until the new heading is reached.

When a deeply loaded tanker requires more stopping distance than a light ship, this is primarily due to:

Answer: Greater displacement and inertia

Greater displacement means more mass and momentum, requiring significantly more distance and time to stop.

A vessel is said to be in 'irons' when it:

Answer: Has lost steerage way and cannot maneuver effectively

A vessel in irons has lost enough speed that the rudder is ineffective and the ship cannot respond to helm commands.

When coming alongside a dock in a strong current, the preferred approach angle is:

Answer: Into the current at a shallow angle

Approaching into the current at a shallow angle allows the current to help slow the vessel and control the rate of closing.

What effect does shallow water have on a vessel's turning ability?

Answer: It reduces turning efficiency and increases turning radius

In shallow water, squat and increased water resistance reduce rudder effectiveness, resulting in a larger turning circle.