Question 4202 Deck General

The correct answer is C) the bow falls off to starboard. When a vessel with a single right-hand propeller backs to port, the propeller's rotation causes the stern to swing to port. This, in turn, causes the bow to fall off or swing to starboard. This is a well-established principle in ship handling and maneuvering, governed by the effects of a propeller's rotation on a vessel's directional control. The other options are incorrect because: A) the vessel would not move to starboard without changing heading, B) the bow would swing to port, not starboard, and D) the vessel would not move to port without changing heading.