🔍 Key Concepts

• Purpose of a bridle in towing astern and how it affects tow behavior • Difference between catenary (weight in the towing gear) and lateral control of the tow • Effects of chain weight and drag in the water on tow motion in a seaway

💭 Think About

• Think about what problem a bridle is meant to solve when towing a barge or vessel astern—how does it help keep the tow aligned? • Consider how chain weight and where it is located (near the tug vs. spread across the tow’s bow) changes the tow’s tendency to yaw or surge. • Ask yourself which option describes a unique advantage of using a chain bridle, not just any chain in the towing hawser.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which choices describe benefits that would come from any heavy chain in the towing line, versus only from a bridle arrangement. • Check which option directly relates to controlling yaw (side-to-side motion) of the tow in a seaway. • Confirm that the option you pick matches the primary operational reason mariners choose a chain bridle over a single-point connection.