🔍 Key Concepts

• Catenary shape of a towline and what creates it • Effects of shallow water on how much sag or dip a towline can safely have • Risks of a towline touching or dragging on the bottom

💭 Think About

• Think about what happens to a heavily sagging towline when the water depth becomes very shallow—where can that sag go? • Consider how towline shape affects shock loads on the tug and the tow in shallow water compared to deep water. • Ask yourself which option would most reduce the chance of the towline grounding while still keeping towing forces under control.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify how water depth limits the allowable dip (sag) in the catenary. • Consider the dangers of a towline contacting the seabed in shallow water. • Balance between reducing bottom contact and avoiding sudden, jerking loads on the towline.