🔍 Key Concepts

• Look closely at where wire G is attached on both the towboat and the barge face. • Think about how a push boat must be secured in order to transmit steering forces to the tow. • Compare wire G with the longer outside wires (like H and I) and consider what would happen if G parted.

💭 Think About

• If the boat put the rudder hard-over, which wires would actually keep the boat from sliding sideways off the barge face? • Which wire (or wires) must stay tight so that when the boat turns its rudder, the tow in front actually responds and turns too? • If one wire failed, which remaining wires look like they are mainly there as backups rather than the primary steering connection?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which fittings wire G is connected to (centerline vs. corners). • Check whether G is rigged as a short, direct connection between the push knees and the barge face, or as a long lead aft used mainly when backing. • Ask yourself: is G drawn and labeled like a primary securing/steering wire, or like an additional safety/backing piece in case something else lets go?