🔍 Key Concepts

• Tug’s pivot point and how it shifts when towing • How towline lead affects control of the tow and the tug • Relationship between bitts location, rudder, and propeller wash

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: where would the towline lead give the tug the best steering control over the tow? • Which location would reduce the chance of girting/capsizing if the towline comes under heavy side strain? • How does placing bitts closer to or farther from the centerline and pivot point affect the tug’s ability to maneuver safely?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which options place the bitts near the tug’s effective pivot point rather than at the extreme ends • Check which location gives the rudder and propeller wash the most effective leverage on the towline force • Eliminate any option that would make the tug easily tripped/girted by a strong sideways pull on the towline