🔍 Key Concepts

• Bank effect when a ship moves close to a steep bank in a channel • How water flow and pressure change between the ship’s hull and the nearby bank • Difference between bow movement and stern movement when one side is close to shallow water or a bank

💭 Think About

• Picture a ship moving ahead close along one bank of a narrow, dredged channel. Which end (bow or stern) is more affected if the water between the hull and bank speeds up and pressure drops? • Think about the term “suction” at the stern and “cushion” at the bow. Which way would the bow tend to swing relative to the bank? • Eliminate any answer that suggests the whole vessel simply moves sideways without turning. Bank effect usually causes a turning moment (sheer), not just a straight sideways slide.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which end of the vessel is more affected by suction toward the bank when close to a steep bank • Check whether bank effect typically causes the bow to sheer toward or away from the bank • Make sure the option you choose involves a turning effect (sheer) rather than just loss of maneuverability or a purely sideways motion