Question 4056 Deck General

The correct answer is C) It provides lateral control without affecting headway. A tunnel bow thruster is a device that allows a ship to move sideways without affecting its forward or backward motion. It does this by creating a lateral force that pushes the bow of the ship in the desired direction, without significantly impacting the ship's speed or direction of travel. This makes it a useful tool for maneuvering in confined spaces or when docking, as it allows the ship to be positioned precisely without needing to rely solely on the main propulsion system. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) A bow thruster cannot be used to slow the ship, as it only provides lateral force; B) A bow thruster can hold the ship's position against a current, but it does not work well at higher speeds; and D) Bow thrusters are effective at speeds up to around 8-10 knots, not just 6 knots.