Question 1388 Deck Safety

You are correct, the answer is A) into the seas. In heavy seas, the helmsman should steer the motor lifeboat into the seas (directly into the waves) to maintain control and stability of the vessel. This is the proper technique as it allows the boat to ride up and over the waves, rather than taking them broadside which could cause the boat to roll or capsize. The other options are incorrect because: B) a series of figure-eights would be an unstable and unsafe maneuver, C) steering broadside to the seas would expose the boat to the full force of the waves, and D) steering in the same direction as the seas could cause the boat to surf down the waves in an uncontrolled manner.