Aviation Standard Test Battery-E (ASTB E) Practice Test

What is the meaning of "Fast" in naval terminology?

1. Quickly moving

2. Snugly secured

3. Making rapid decisions

4. Operating at high speed

The correct answer is: Snugly secured

In naval terminology, "fast" refers to something that is snugly secured. This term is often used when discussing how equipment, rigging, or vessels are secured in place to prevent movement during operations at sea. For example, a ship's lines may be "fastened" to the dock or "fast" when they are tightly wound and secured to avoid any slack that could lead to instability. The other interpretations, while they may have their own meanings in different contexts, do not capture the specific nautical usage of "fast." Quick movement, rapid decision-making, and high-speed operations are more general terms that don't reflect the particular significance of "fast" in the context of securing and stabilizing elements on a vessel. Understanding this precise terminology is important for effective communication and safety in a naval environment.