Question 4108 Deck General

The correct answer is B) Forces the bow away from the bank. When a vessel is proceeding along a narrow channel, the effect called bank cushion causes the bow of the vessel to be pushed away from the bank. This is due to the increased water velocity between the vessel and the bank, which creates a lower pressure area that pushes the bow outward. This effect helps to keep the vessel centered in the channel and prevents the bow from colliding with the bank. The other options are incorrect because: A) The stern is not forced away from the bank, but rather the bow; C) The entire vessel is not forced bodily away from the bank, just the bow; and D) The draft at the bow is not decreased, but rather the bow is pushed outward.