🔍 Key Concepts

• Countercurrent and eddies around bends, bridge piers, or banks • How tows handle differently when the current under the head of the tow is not the same as under the stern or the tug • Effect of current on steering and lateral control of a barge tow

💭 Think About

• Think about what happens if the head of your tow gets into water flowing in a different direction than the water acting on your towboat and the after barges. • Consider whether a multiple barge tow is easier or harder to control when parts of it are being pushed sideways by an eddy or reverse current. • Ask yourself: does a countercurrent make control more predictable and safe, or can it introduce unexpected sheer and swing of the tow?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which answers claim there is no danger or no risk and think carefully about whether that is realistic around countercurrents and eddies. • Focus on the option(s) that mention a possibility of losing control or reduced control of the tow in irregular currents. • Eliminate any choice that assumes you will automatically maintain control just by going straight, without considering lateral forces from the countercurrent.