What maneuver is described by the term "hard right rudder"?

The term "hard right rudder" refers to the action of turning the vessel sharply to the right. This maneuver involves putting the ship's wheel or helm to the right to direct the rudder hard over in that direction, allowing for a quick and sharp turn. It is commonly used in maritime navigation to navigate obstacles, change course rapidly, or respond to changing conditions. Understanding this maneuver is essential for effective ship handling, particularly in congested waters or during emergency situations where a swift change in direction may be required.

Turning the vessel sharply to the left would instead be referred to as a "hard left rudder," while stopping the vessel completely involves different operations such as reversing thrust or using anchors, and adjusting sails pertains specifically to sailing vessels in order to optimize performance based on wind direction—not rudder positioning.