USCG Exam PracticeTwin-screw vessel handling
On a twin-screw vessel experiencing persistent leeward bow drift in a crosswind, which throttle technique reduces helm pressure without splitting the throttles?
- A. Apply full rudder to windward and match engine RPM
- B. Increase RPM on the windward engine to push the bow back up
- C. Reduce RPM on both engines equally to lessen wind effect
- ✓ Increase RPM on the leeward engine until helm pressure is relievedCorrect
Why D is correct
§10-D states that to hold a course when wind pushes the bow to leeward, the coxswain turns the leeward engine at higher RPM than the windward one until the pressure comes off the helm. This uses asymmetric thrust rather than constant helm deflection.