You are taking the bow line from the port bow of a large vessel that is underway when the stern of your tug comes in contact with the vessel. The forward motion of both vessels causes your tug to be turned toward the other vessel and contact the stem thereby being "stemmed". You should immediately __________.

Correct Answer: Option B — go full astern with rudder amidships

Going full astern with the rudder amidships is the standard emergency maneuver to clear a tug from a vessel's stem. This action maximizes the distance between the tug's hull and the vessel's bow, preventing the tug from being pinned or capsized by the larger vessel's forward momentum.