🔍 Key Concepts

• Catenary shape of a towing hawser and what causes it • How tension in the towline changes with speed and length of hawser • Effect of slack vs. tight towline on the curve (sag) of the hawser

💭 Think About

• Which options would increase tension in the hawser and tend to pull it more straight? • Which options would decrease tension and allow the hawser to sag more into the water? • How do changes in speed and hawser length typically affect the depth and curve of the towline between tug and tow?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which choices would tighten the hawser versus those that would slacken it • Consider whether turning sharply or being in irons has a direct effect on the sag (curve) of the line, or mainly on direction/control • Ask: to reduce catenary, do I want more or less tension in the line, and which option produces that condition?