Two vessels are abreast of each other and passing port... - USCG Deck General

Two vessels are abreast of each other and passing port to port in a confined waterway. What should you expect as your bow approaches the screws of the other vessel?

A Your bow will sheer away from the other vessel.

B Your draft will significantly decrease.

C Your bow will sheer towards the other vessel.

D Your speed will significantly increase.

AI Explanation

The correct answer is C) Your bow will sheer towards the other vessel. When two vessels are passing port-to-port in a confined waterway, the interaction between the vessels' hulls and propellers can cause the bow of one vessel to sheer towards the other vessel. This is due to the Bernoulli principle, where the increased water velocity between the two vessels creates a lower pressure area, drawing the bow of one vessel towards the other. This is a well-known phenomenon in close-quarters maneuvering and is an important consideration for mariners operating in confined waterways. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) the bow would sheer towards the other vessel, not away; B) the draft would not significantly decrease; and D) the speed would not significantly increase due to this interaction.

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Question 3905 Deck General

Two vessels are abreast of each other and passing port to port in a confined waterway. What should you expect as your bow approaches the screws of the other vessel?

Want to practice with timed exams?