Question 4226 Deck General

The correct answer is B) in a fairly straight line. With both engines backing and the rudders amidships, a twin-screw vessel moving astern will back in a fairly straight line. This is because with the rudders amidships, the vessel will not have any intentional turning forces applied to it. The backing thrust from the twin propellers will simply push the vessel straight backwards without any significant turning. The other options are incorrect. The vessel will not back to starboard (A) or to port (C) because the rudders are amidships and not providing any turning force. It also will not back in a circular motion (D) for the same reason - without a turning force from the rudders, the vessel will not turn in a circle.