Astern
The area or direction behind a vessel, towards the stern.
Astern is a nautical term used to describe both a direction and a movement in relation to a vessel. When something is located “astern,” it means that it is positioned behind the vessel, towards the stern, which is the rear part of the ship. This term is often used to describe the relative position of objects or other vessels in the water. For example, if another boat is following behind your vessel, you would say it is “astern” of you.
As a verb, “astern” refers to the action of moving the vessel backwards, or in reverse, relative to its bow (the front of the ship). This is typically achieved by reversing the direction of the ship’s propulsion, such as by reversing the engine or adjusting the sails. Moving astern is a common manoeuvre when docking, anchoring, or adjusting a vessel’s position in tight spaces. It is also used in emergency situations where a rapid change in direction is required to avoid a collision or hazard.
In modern motorised vessels, the command to “go astern” is often given to the engine room to reverse the engines, causing the propellers to rotate in the opposite direction and propel the vessel backwards. In sailing vessels, moving astern can be more complex and may involve adjusting the sails or using a small auxiliary engine.
