General Subjects (Auxiliaries & Systems) USCG Question #860 (Set 13)

What type of propulsor is typically used in electric motor driven, transverse, tunnel bow thrusters to limit the starting current of the single speed drive motor?

Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation

Correct Answer: Option D — Controllable-pitch propeller

Controllable-pitch propellers allow the drive motor to start under a no-load or low-load condition by setting the blades to zero pitch. This prevents the high starting current spikes associated with fixed-pitch propellers, which would otherwise require significantly larger, more expensive electrical switchgear and motor starters.

100% Free & Open Access — No daily limits, paywalls, or gated answers on BrightMariner.