Question 4212 Deck General

The correct answer is A) turn its stern towards the dock. When you back a single-screw vessel with a left-handed propeller, the stern will tend to swing towards the side where the propeller is located, which is the starboard side in this case. This is due to the torque produced by the propeller, which causes the vessel to turn as it moves astern. With the rudder amidships, the stern will swing towards the dock, bringing the vessel closer to the intended landing spot. The other options are incorrect because B) the bow would turn away from the dock, C) the vessel would not drift away from the dock, and D) the vessel would not lose headway without swinging, as the propeller's torque would cause the stern to turn.