🔍 Key Concepts

• Location and purpose of flanking rudders on a river towboat • Difference between main steering rudders and flanking rudders • Relationship between propellers, rudders, and the stern structure in the illustration

💭 Think About

• Look at which labeled parts are directly behind the propellers and which are located just forward of the propellers in way of the tunnels or nozzles. • Ask yourself: which rudders are mainly used when the vessel is going astern to control the stern and the tow? • Compare the shapes and positions of the underwater gear: which item would deflect water flow from the propellers when backing, rather than steering when going ahead?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which labeled item is forward of the propeller(s) rather than aft. • Confirm that the flanking rudders are usually in pairs, one on each side of the centerline, near the propeller tunnels. • Make sure you are not choosing the main rudders directly aft of the propellers or any item above the waterline.