Which term would be used to indicate a vessel is not at anchor and not secured to shore?

Which term would be used to indicate a vessel is not at anchor and not secured to shore?

• A. Afloat
• B. In Port
• C. Moored
• D. Underway

Answer: (D)

Underway is the state you use when a vessel is not tied to shore and not at anchor. It means the ship is in the water and free to maneuver, either moving or capable of moving, rather than being fixed in place. This contrasts with being at anchor (held in place by an anchor), moored (secured to a mooring), or in port (situated within a harbor). Afloat describes floating water but doesn’t by itself specify whether the vessel is anchored or moored, whereas underway explicitly means no anchorage or shore connection.

Underway is the state you use when a vessel is not tied to shore and not at anchor. It means the ship is in the water and free to maneuver, either moving or capable of moving, rather than being fixed in place. This contrasts with being at anchor (held in place by an anchor), moored (secured to a mooring), or in port (situated within a harbor). Afloat describes floating water but doesn’t by itself specify whether the vessel is anchored or moored, whereas underway explicitly means no anchorage or shore connection.