In docking operations, which line is described as a forward spring?

In docking operations, which line is described as a forward spring?

• A. Forward spring
• B. After spring
• C. Breast line
• D. Stern spring

Answer: (A)

Longitudinal control lines are used at docking to manage movement along the length of the vessel. The forward spring is the line that runs from the bow to a point on the dock ahead of the bow. Its purpose is to keep the bow from moving away from the quay as tides, currents, or wind push the ship forward, pulling the bow toward the dock and stabilizing the vessel against fore-and-aft motion. This is different from the stern spring, which runs from the stern to a dock point behind the stern to limit backward motion, and from a breast line, which controls side-to-side movement rather than fore-and-aft motion.

Longitudinal control lines are used at docking to manage movement along the length of the vessel. The forward spring is the line that runs from the bow to a point on the dock ahead of the bow. Its purpose is to keep the bow from moving away from the quay as tides, currents, or wind push the ship forward, pulling the bow toward the dock and stabilizing the vessel against fore-and-aft motion. This is different from the stern spring, which runs from the stern to a dock point behind the stern to limit backward motion, and from a breast line, which controls side-to-side movement rather than fore-and-aft motion.