'To tend a vessel' definitions:

Definition of 'To tend a vessel'

From: GCIDE

Tend \Tend\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Tended; p. pr. & vb. n. Tending.] [Aphetic form of attend. See Attend, Tend to move, and cf. Tender one that tends or attends.]
1. To accompany as an assistant or protector; to care for the wants of; to look after; to watch; to guard; as, shepherds tend their flocks. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
And flaming ministers to watch and tend Their earthly charge. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
There 's not a sparrow or a wren, There 's not a blade of autumn grain, Which the four seasons do not tend And tides of life and increase lend. --Emerson. [1913 Webster]
2. To be attentive to; to note carefully; to attend to. [1913 Webster]
Being to descend A ladder much in height, I did not tend My way well down. --Chapman. [1913 Webster]
To tend a vessel (Naut.), to manage an anchored vessel when the tide turns, so that in swinging she shall not entangle the cable. [1913 Webster]