Question 1 of 27070
Q
You are docking a vessel in a slip which has its entrance athwart the tide. You land the ship across the end of the pier, stemming the tide, preparatory to breaking the ship around the corner. You have one tug to assist. Where would you generally tie up the tug?
A
Tie her up on the inshore bow to hold the ship off the end.
B
Tie her up on the inshore quarter to lift the stern.
C
Have her on a hawser from the stern.
D
Tie her up on the offshore bow.
Question 1 / 2707066636ee728f7522a1c5179d7
Question 1 of 2707066636ee728f7522a1c5179d7

You are docking a vessel in a slip which has its entrance athwart the tide. You land the ship across the end of the pier, stemming the tide, preparatory to breaking the ship around the corner. You have one tug to assist. Where would you generally tie up the tug?

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Question 1 of 27070
Q

You are docking a vessel in a slip which has its entrance athwart the tide. You land the ship across the end of the pier, stemming the tide, preparatory to breaking the ship around the corner. You have one tug to assist. Where would you generally tie up the tug?

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🔍 Key Concepts

• Effect of tide/current direction when the slip entrance is athwart (across) the tide • How to use a single tug to control the bow vs. the stern while you "break the ship around the corner" • Difference between a tug made fast alongside versus on a hawser from the stern

💭 Think About

• Visualize the ship lying across the end of the pier, bow into the current. As you swing her into the slip, which end (bow or stern) most needs positive control so you don’t get set onto the pier or the opposite corner? • Ask yourself: if the current is running along the end of the pier and the slip entrance is at right angles, which side (inshore/offshore) of the ship is closest to hard structure and therefore most dangerous if the ship drifts? • Consider what each tug position in the options would primarily help you do: hold off, lift the stern, control sheer, or act as a brake/pivot. Which function is most critical for this maneuver with only one tug?

✅ Before You Answer

• Be clear on which side is inshore (toward the pier and slip) and which is offshore (away from the pier into open water). • Confirm for each option whether the tug’s position would help you prevent contact with the pier corner as the vessel is broken around. • Make sure the tug placement you choose provides both control of the swing and clearance from structure with the current running, not just one or the other.