Which lines run aft from the ship to control its forward movement?

Aft spring lines are the lines that run from the ship to a fixed point on the dock, specifically designed to control the movement of the vessel in the reverse direction. By applying tension to these lines, they help to counteract the forward momentum of the ship, effectively controlling its forward movement as well as assisting in the maneuvering process when docking or undocking.

These lines are particularly crucial during operations where precise positioning is required, such as when a ship is coming alongside a pier or another vessel. By managing the orientation and position of the ship using aft spring lines, the crew can maintain better control over its movements, ensuring safety and stability during the mooring process.

Other types of lines mentioned do not specifically perform this task of controlling forward movement in the same way. For instance, forward spring lines are primarily used to prevent the bow from moving forward, while mooring lines encompass a broader range of lines used for securing a vessel. Breast lines are utilized to keep the ship positioned laterally rather than controlling forward movement. Thus, aft spring lines are clearly the lines focused on controlling the ship's forward motion effectively.