🔍 Key Concepts

• Heaving to in heavy weather – what the ship is trying to accomplish (reducing motion and strain) • Effect of heading relative to the seas (head seas, bow seas, beam seas, quartering seas) on safety and comfort • How engine power and speed help maintain control and reduce risk of broaching or pounding

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: In a heavy gale, which relative heading to the seas usually gives the safest and most controlled motion for the ship? • Which option keeps some steerageway and control, instead of letting the vessel become passive in the sea? • Which choice would likely reduce rolling and risk of capsizing, rather than increase it?

✅ Before You Answer

• Eliminate any option that leaves the vessel broadside (beam) to the seas in a heavy gale • Be cautious of any choice that suggests high speed in very rough conditions • Look for the option that balances minimal but positive speed with a favorable angle to the seas to keep control and reduce strain on the hull and rudder