Which engine order would you use to move forward at half speed?

• A. Slow Ahead
• B. Half Ahead
• C. Half Astern
• D. Full Ahead

Answer: (B)

Controlling forward speed on a vessel is done with engine orders that combine a direction term with a speed modifier. To move forward at a specific reduced speed, you issue a forward order with the appropriate modifier. Half Ahead instructs the engines to drive the ship forward at about half of its available forward power. That makes it the right choice when you need to advance while maintaining a moderate pace, for maneuvering in confined waters or approaching another vessel.

In contrast, Full Ahead would push you at maximum speed, not appropriate when you want only half speed. Slow Ahead denotes forward motion but at a slower rate than Half Ahead, so it would be slower than the target. Half Astern would drive the ship backward at half speed, which is the opposite of what you want.

Therefore, Half Ahead is the best instruction for moving forward at half speed.