Question 65 OSV01 - Master/Chief Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is D **Why option D ("Running before the seas") is correct:** Running before the seas (or "scudding") is generally considered the gentlest way to ride out a severe storm on a large vessel because it minimizes the relative motion between the vessel and the waves. The vessel is steered directly away from the oncoming waves, traveling roughly at the same speed as the wave train or slightly slower. This technique achieves several goals: 1. **Reduced Pitching and Heaving:** By keeping the stern pointed at the waves and moving with them, the vessel avoids the violent pitching (bow to stern motion) and slamming that occurs when heading into or lying across large waves. 2. **Minimized Impact Forces:** Waves slide under the hull rather than crashing onto the deck or bow, which greatly reduces structural stress and water ingress. 3. **Optimal Steering Control:** While requiring constant attention, the vessel maintains forward momentum, allowing the rudder to remain effective for steering corrections and preventing the vessel from being thrown into the trough (broaching). **Why the other options are incorrect:** **A) Rig a sea anchor:** A sea anchor is used to keep the bow pointed into the waves while minimizing forward movement. While effective for small vessels or when maneuvering room is limited, for a larger vessel in a severe storm, it exposes the bow directly to the full force of breaking waves, resulting in violent pitching, heavy spray, and extreme stress on the vessel's structure. This is far from the "most gentle" method. **B) Hove to:** Hoving to involves stopping the vessel, turning the bow obliquely (at an angle) into the seas, and using a small amount of sail or engine power to maintain position and control drift. While this is a recognized storm tactic, it involves taking waves on the bow quarter, leading to significant rolling and pitching motions. The constant impact of waves, even at an angle, puts more stress on the hull and causes more violent movement than running with the waves, making it less gentle. **C) Head into the seas at slow speeds:** Heading directly into severe seas means the vessel is constantly fighting the oncoming wave energy. This results in heavy slamming (pounding) of the bow, violent pitching, loss of speed, and potential structural damage due to the extreme forces of the waves hitting the hull. While necessary if the vessel cannot safely run before the storm (e.g., restricted sea room), it is the least gentle and most physically jarring method for the vessel and crew.