Question 29 AB01 - Able Seafarer

The Correct Answer is A. **Why Option A is Correct:** In standard nautical (seamanship) commands, "Hard" is the maximum degree of rudder available, typically around 35 degrees on most vessels, before the rudder hits the mechanical or hydraulic stops. The command "Hard right rudder" instructs the helmsman to move the rudder all the way to the right (starboard) to the maximum angle permitted for sustained use. This is equivalent to "Full right rudder" or "Maximum right rudder." **Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **B) Meet a swing to the right, then return to amidships:** This describes a brief counter-rudder action, often used when steering a course or meeting a small deviation. It is not what the "Hard" command means, which requires the rudder to be held at the maximum angle until a new command is given. * **C) Jam the rudder against the stops:** While "Hard" is the maximum operational angle, the command "Hard right rudder" does not imply slamming the rudder against the mechanical stops in a damaging manner (which might require a command like "Emergency Hard" or simply be considered poor execution). It means setting the rudder to the maximum safe, specified degree, which is just short of the mechanical stops but referred to as "all the way." * **D) Put the rudder over quickly to 15° right rudder:** The command for 15° right rudder is simply "Right 15 degrees rudder" or "15 degrees right." The term "Hard" specifically denotes the maximum angle (usually 35 degrees), not an intermediate angle like 15 degrees.