Question 4022 Deck General

The correct answer is C) bank cushion. The bank cushion effect occurs when a vessel traveling down a narrow channel, especially if its draft is nearly equal to the depth of the water, causes the water to be displaced along the nearer side of the channel. This creates a temporary increase in water pressure and level on the near side, pushing the vessel slightly away from that side, or "cushioning" it against the bank. This effect can be particularly pronounced in shallow or restricted waterways. The other options are incorrect: A) bank suction refers to the vessel being pulled toward the near bank, which is the opposite of the bank cushion effect. B) "smelling the bottom" is not a recognized nautical term. D) squatting refers to a vessel's bow settling deeper into the water as speed increases, which is a separate hydrodynamic effect.