The line that should be cast off when the stern has cleared is the ______.

The line that should be cast off when the stern has cleared is the ______.

• A. Spring line
• B. Bow line
• C. Mooring line
• D. Warping line

Answer: (B)

During undocking, lines are used to control how the boat moves away from the dock. The bow line secures the forward end to the dock, helping keep the bow from drifting off as you maneuver. When the stern has cleared the dock, you can cast off the line from the bow. Releasing this line lets the bow swing free and begin moving away as the vessel backs off, while the stern line and any spring lines continue to control the remaining motion until you are fully clear. The other lines serve to manage movement or hold the boat in place and aren’t the ones you release at this moment.

During undocking, lines are used to control how the boat moves away from the dock. The bow line secures the forward end to the dock, helping keep the bow from drifting off as you maneuver. When the stern has cleared the dock, you can cast off the line from the bow. Releasing this line lets the bow swing free and begin moving away as the vessel backs off, while the stern line and any spring lines continue to control the remaining motion until you are fully clear. The other lines serve to manage movement or hold the boat in place and aren’t the ones you release at this moment.