🔍 Key Concepts

• Towing bitts carry very high towing loads that must be transmitted safely into the hull structure • Load paths: where do heavy towing forces need to go so they don’t rip out deck fittings? • Difference between thin deck plating and major structural members of the vessel (frames, girders, etc.)

💭 Think About

• When a towline comes under a heavy shock load, what parts of the ship must ultimately carry that force? • If the bitt foundation only rested on deck plating, what could happen in an emergency stop or heavy sea state? • Which option mentions the type of structure that is designed to handle large, concentrated loads from fittings like bitts, winches, and chocks?

✅ Before You Answer

• Make sure the location you choose is tied into strong, primary structure, not just surface plating • Check which option best ensures the towing load is transmitted deep into the hull, not just along the top deck • Eliminate any answers that place the support where the structure is relatively thin or non‑reinforced for heavy towing loads