🔍 Key Concepts

• How small craft and lifeboats behave in heavy seas • The danger of taking seas broadside or directly from astern • How to reduce risk of capsizing, broaching, or flooding when steering a lifeboat

💭 Think About

• Which heading gives the boat the most control over steering and speed in large waves? • Which directions of seas are most likely to cause the lifeboat to roll heavily or broach (turn sideways uncontrollably)? • Think about how you would want the bow of the boat to meet the waves to climb and descend safely.

✅ Before You Answer

• Eliminate any option that puts the boat broadside to the seas for long periods • Be cautious about options that place the boat directly with the seas on the stern in heavy conditions • Focus on the option that lets the bow meet and ride over the waves rather than getting hit hard on the side.