🔍 Key Concepts

• Control of bow vs stern when mooring large ships • Effect of pivot point and leverage on ship handling • Role of tug power vs tug position in controlling a deeply laden vessel

💭 Think About

• Which end of a large, deeply laden ship is most critical to control when approaching a berth, and why? • How does the distance from the ship’s pivot point affect how much influence a tug has on the ship’s heading? • In practice, is fine heading and lateral control more critical at the bow, stern, or amidships during the final stages of mooring?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which end (bow or stern) tends to swing most and needs strongest control when turning or stopping near the berth • Consider how a powerful tug’s thrust applied far from the pivot point affects the ship’s heading and lateral motion • Eliminate any choice that suggests placement is random or that maneuverability alone decides placement without regard to control needs