🔍 Key Concepts

• Towing astern safety practices and the danger zone around a towline under tension • Responsibilities to avoid close-quarters situations and protect other vessels from hazards created by your tow • How changes in speed or course affect the catenary (sag) and position of a towline

💭 Think About

• Think about what happens to a towline under heavy strain if the towing vessel suddenly changes speed or direction—how could that affect a vessel crossing between you and the tow? • Which action best reduces the immediate risk to the approaching vessel without creating a new, potentially worse hazard? • Consider which options are extreme or irreversible, and which provide more control over the towing situation.

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which options might cause the towline to whip, sheer, or surge dangerously if the line is under tension • Consider whether any option would increase the chance of collision or line failure rather than reduce it • Check which response gives you the most control over the tow and the safest conditions for the vessel trying to pass between you and the tow