You are landing a single-screw vessel with a right-handed propeller port side to a dock. As you approach the dock, you back down on your engine with rudder amidships. You would expect the vessel to __________.

Correct Answer: Option C — swing its stern towards the dock

When a right-handed propeller backs, the transverse thrust pushes the stern to port. If the vessel is port side to the dock, this force naturally swings the stern toward the pier, which is a standard technique used by mariners to assist in bringing the vessel alongside during docking.