Backing a vessel: which rudder action tends to move the stern more as sternway develops?

Backing a vessel: which rudder action tends to move the stern more as sternway develops?

• A. No rudder
• B. Apply left rudder more
• C. Apply right rudder more
• D. Apply rudder to bow

Answer: (C)

When you back a vessel, the rudder’s effect is opposite to when you move forward. As sternway develops, the rudder’s deflection creates a yaw primarily at the stern, and the direction you deflect the rudder determines which way the stern will swing. Deflecting the rudder to the right (starboard) during backing makes the stern swing more to starboard, producing the strongest stern movement. Leaving the rudder centered gives little turning, and deflecting to the left would steer the stern toward port, not toward the desired side. The option involving the bow isn’t a valid rudder action.

When you back a vessel, the rudder’s effect is opposite to when you move forward. As sternway develops, the rudder’s deflection creates a yaw primarily at the stern, and the direction you deflect the rudder determines which way the stern will swing. Deflecting the rudder to the right (starboard) during backing makes the stern swing more to starboard, producing the strongest stern movement. Leaving the rudder centered gives little turning, and deflecting to the left would steer the stern toward port, not toward the desired side. The option involving the bow isn’t a valid rudder action.