🔍 Key Concepts

• Shock-loading a towline and why it is dangerous when getting underway • The purpose of catenary in a towing hawser and how it affects the strain on the line • Best practice for increasing power when starting a tow with a dead ship

💭 Think About

• What happens to the towline and the connection fittings if you come ahead too quickly with a dead ship that cannot help you by maneuvering? • How does keeping some weight and sag (catenary) in the line help you when you first start moving? • Which option describes a method that gradually takes a strain on the line while still protecting against sudden jerks?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which choices involve the risk of sudden, jerking loads on the towline instead of a smooth, gradual strain. • Check which options remove nearly all catenary from the line right away, and ask if that is safe seamanship for starting a tow. • Look for the option that best preserves a safe catenary and a gradual application of power while the dead ship begins to move.