Towing & Ship-Assist · Interaction — Bank Effect
A tow transiting close to a channel bank may experience bank effect, which tends to:
- ALift the tow out of the water
- BStop the tow instantly
- CPush the bow away from the bank and draw the stern toward it (bank cushion and bank suction)✓ Correct
- DReverse the current
Explanation
Near a bank, higher pressure at the bow (bank cushion) pushes the head off, while reduced pressure along the side draws the stern in (bank suction), yawing the vessel toward mid-channel and requiring corrective helm.
Authority: Bowditch; shiphandling principles
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