🔍 Key Concepts

• Effect of current on ship handling in narrow waters (rivers/harbors) • Difference between flood tide, ebb tide, and slack water • Control of the ship’s speed over the ground vs. speed through the water when docking

💭 Think About

• In which situation will the ship’s motion be easiest to control when you have no tug assistance? • How does the strength of the current affect your ability to stop the vessel and land gently alongside a berth? • Is it safer to dock with strong current helping you, strong current opposing you, or minimal current? Why?

✅ Before You Answer

• Compare how much lateral set (sideways push) the current causes in each option • Think about at which time the current is weakest in a tidal cycle, not when the water level is highest • Ask: In which condition will small engine movements make predictable changes to the ship’s position near the pier?