In harbour engineering design (per the 1912 International Navigational Congress recommendations), what should be the ratio of a passenger vessel’s length to its width at the entrance reach for safe manoeuvring and clearance?

Introduction / Context:
Entrance geometry is a critical safety parameter in docks and harbour engineering. The International Navigational Congress (1912) proposed length-to-width ratios for different ship classes so that vessels can maintain steerage, avoid bank effects, and minimize collision risks while entering harbour approaches.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question concerns passenger vessels (not cargo or tankers).
• The ratio refers to recommended length-to-width at the entrance reach.
• Only one option matches the classic recommendation widely quoted in harbour-engineering primers.

Concept / Approach:
Passenger ships typically possess higher service speeds and finer hull forms. A higher length-to-width ratio at the entrance provides a straighter, more forgiving approach channel that reduces yaw and allows tugs (if used) adequate room to operate. The 1912 guidance remains a common exam standard and baseline for preliminary checks, even though modern detailed designs rely on simulations and PIANC/IMO guidance.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the historical recommendation specific to passenger vessels.Compare all listed ratios with recognized values from classic MCQ references.Select the value cited for passenger vessels: 8.44 to 1.

Verification / Alternative check:
Multiple dock-and-harbour MCQ compilations and lecture notes reproduce 8.44:1 for passenger vessels; cargo-vessel figures are lower and presented separately in those sources.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 7.25:1, 7.80:1, and 8.11:1 are all below the classic passenger-vessel recommendation.
• 7.60:1 is not a standard cited value for this class.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing passenger-vessel ratios with cargo-vessel ranges; assuming the same ratio applies to all ship types.

Final Answer:
8.44 to 1