Ship Handling Flashcards

When using an anchor to assist in turning a vessel in a confined space, which technique is employed?

Answer: Dropping one anchor and using it as a pivot point

By letting go one anchor with a short scope, the vessel can use it as a pivot point to swing the stern around in a confined area.

The 'transfer' during a turning maneuver refers to:

Answer: The lateral distance moved perpendicular to the original course

Transfer is the perpendicular (lateral) distance the ship's center moves from the original track during a turn.

A vessel experiences 'bank suction' when:

Answer: The stern is attracted toward a nearby bank or shoal

Bank suction occurs when the low-pressure area under the stern is attracted toward the near bank, causing the stern to sheer toward it.

When overtaking another vessel in a narrow channel, the overtaking vessel should expect:

Answer: Interaction forces that attract the two vessels toward each other

As two vessels pass in close proximity, interaction forces create suction that tends to draw the vessels toward each other.

In the event of a main engine failure at sea, what is the immediate priority for ship handling?

Answer: Ensure the vessel is in a safe position and prevent drifting into danger

The immediate priority is to assess the vessel's position relative to hazards and take actions to prevent grounding or collision while engineers work to restore power.

What is the purpose of 'heaving to' in heavy weather?

Answer: To position the vessel so it rides comfortably with minimal forward movement

Heaving to presents the vessel at an angle to wind and sea that minimizes rolling and pitching while maintaining near-stationary position.

When backing a twin-screw vessel, how is directional control primarily achieved?

Answer: By differential use of the two propellers

On twin-screw vessels, steering when backing is primarily accomplished by varying the speed and direction of each propeller independently.