🔍 Key Concepts

• Purpose of a surge line in towing gear (to absorb shock loads) • Relationship between the main towing hawser, towing bridle, and fittings on the tug (bitts/winch) • How a surge line is arranged so it can stretch and protect the main towing gear

💭 Think About

• Picture the full towing setup from the tug to the tow: tug fittings → any extra gear → main towing hawser → bridle → tow. Where in that chain would a shock‑absorbing piece do the most good? • Which connection in the system takes the most sudden strain when the tow snatches or surges in a sea way? • If a line is supposed to stretch and protect more expensive or critical gear, should it be part of the bridle itself, wrapped on the winch, or placed in between two major components?

✅ Before You Answer

• Make sure you know the difference between towing bitts, towing winch drum, main towing hawser, and towing bridle • Ask: which option places the surge line where it can work in tension and stretch, not just hold shape? • Eliminate any choice that would prevent the surge line from being quickly changed out or would defeat its purpose as a shock absorber.