Question 3981 Deck General

The correct answer is B) the bow will swing away from the bank, and stern will swing into the bank. This is correct because of the effect of a steep bank on the starboard side of a vessel in a narrow channel. The vessel will experience a suction effect, where the water flowing along the starboard side will be drawn towards the bank, creating a lower pressure area. This will cause the bow to swing away from the bank, while the stern will be pulled towards the bank, creating a turning moment that can make the vessel yaw or "crab" towards the bank. The other options are incorrect because A) the vessel will not be bodily pushed away from the bank, C) the bow will not swing towards the bank, and D) the vessel will not be bodily drawn into the bank. The key is understanding the hydrodynamic forces acting on the vessel due to the proximity of the steep bank.