Going Astern

Moving a vessel stern-first through the water or applying astern propulsion.

Applying astern power does not always produce immediate sternway because the vessel may still carry forward momentum. Once moving astern, many vessels steer less predictably than ahead, and propeller side force, wind, current, hull form and rudder arrangement can strongly affect the motion.

Astern movement is used in close-quarters manoeuvring, stopping and leaving or approaching berths. A clear lookout, low controlled speed and awareness of people, lines and obstructions around the stern are especially important because visibility and steering response may be limited.