When in command of a lifeboat under oars, what does the command "Backwater" mean?
Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation
Correct Answer: Option D — row in astern motion
The command "Backwater" directs the crew to row in an astern motion. This maneuver is essential for maneuvering a lifeboat away from a vessel's side or avoiding obstacles. It requires the oarsmen to push the handles forward, causing the blades to move the boat in the opposite direction of normal rowing.
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