Question 4169 Deck General

The correct answer is D) about one-quarter of the vessel's length from the stern. When a vessel is backing down with sternway, the pivot point is located approximately one-quarter of the vessel's length from the stern. This is due to the location of the propellers and the hydrodynamic forces acting on the hull. As the vessel moves astern, the pivot point shifts aft, toward the stern, rather than being at the bow or amidships. The other options are incorrect because: A) the pivot point is not aft of the propellers, B) the pivot point is not about one-third of the vessel's length from the bow, and C) the pivot point is not at the bow when backing down with sternway.