Astern
Astern is a nautical term with two related senses: behind the ship (a position or direction aft of the vessel — “a ship astern of us”), and moving backward (going astern, the opposite of ahead). The engine order “full astern”, for instance, commands maximum backward thrust.
Going astern is used in manoeuvring, berthing and stopping — reversing the propeller thrust to slow, stop or back the ship. Ships handle very differently going astern than ahead (steering is less effective and less predictable in reverse), which is why astern manoeuvres in confined waters are done carefully, often with tug assistance. As a position, astern is the opposite of ahead, complementing the on-board terms fore, aft, abaft, amidships and abeam. Astern is a basic and much-used term in ship handling and navigation, describing both what lies behind and the act of moving backward. It is fundamental seamanship vocabulary.
"Astern" is everyday bridge language — both what lies behind the ship and the order to drive backward, as in "full astern" to stop or manoeuvre. Because ships handle awkwardly in reverse, understanding astern movement is basic to berthing and close-quarters ship handling. It is core seamanship vocabulary.
What does "full astern" mean?
An engine order for maximum backward (reverse) thrust, used to stop or manoeuvre the ship.
What are the two meanings of astern?
A position or direction behind the ship, and the act of moving backward (the opposite of ahead).