How do you execute 'Give way starboard, Hold water port' commands?

• A. Starboard rows in a backward direction.
• B. Starboard rows in a forward direction. Port holds blade in the water at 90°.
• C. Port rows in a forward direction.
• D. Port rows in a backward direction.

Answer: (B)

Give way starboard means clear the way on the starboard side, so the starboard oars drive the boat forward to move away from that side while the opposite side helps hold position. In this maneuver, the starboard crew push the oars forward, providing forward propulsion that helps the boat move past or around on the starboard side. At the same time, the port oar keeps its blade in the water at about a right angle (90°) to the boat, which creates a steady drag and prevents unwanted drift. This combination gives you control: you’re moving toward the starboard side to pass safely, while the port blade holds water to stabilize the boat and maintain a precise position instead of drifting. The other options would either have the wrong oar driving forward or backward, or would place the hold-water blade on the wrong side, which wouldn’t achieve the intended maneuver of giving way to the starboard side.