When mooring port side to, against the wind or current, after the bow spring line is secured, the Coxswain should use full _____________ rudder and kick the engine ____________ .

When mooring port side to, against the wind or current, after the bow spring line is secured, the Coxswain should use full _____________ rudder and kick the engine ____________ .

• A. LEFT AHEAD
• B. RIGHT AHEAD
• C. RIGHT REVERSE
• D. LEFT REVERSE

Answer: (B)

When docking with the bow toward the dock and wind or current pushing against you, the goal after the bow spring is secured is to swing the bow into the berth while moving forward. Using full starboard rudder (to the right) with the engine ahead causes the stern to push toward starboard and the bow to swing toward port (the dock). This makes the boat press along the quay and lets the bow stay in contact with the dock while you control the position with the line. Using left rudder would push the bow away from the dock, and reversing would reduce forward maneuverability, making it harder to hold position. So the correct action is full right rudder with the engine ahead.

When docking with the bow toward the dock and wind or current pushing against you, the goal after the bow spring is secured is to swing the bow into the berth while moving forward. Using full starboard rudder (to the right) with the engine ahead causes the stern to push toward starboard and the bow to swing toward port (the dock). This makes the boat press along the quay and lets the bow stay in contact with the dock while you control the position with the line. Using left rudder would push the bow away from the dock, and reversing would reduce forward maneuverability, making it harder to hold position. So the correct action is full right rudder with the engine ahead.