You are docking a vessel starboard side to with the assistance of two tugs. You are attempting to hold the vessel off by operating both tugs at right angles to the vessel and at full power. You must ensure that __________.

Correct Answer: Option A — the ship has no headway at the time

When using tugs to hold a vessel off a dock, any residual headway will cause the vessel to pivot or slide along the pier face. To maintain a safe, parallel position and prevent damage to the hull or dock, the vessel must be dead in the water before applying full tug power.