🔍 Key Concepts

• Behavior of a towed barge on a hawser when the tug suddenly loses power • Effect of momentum and relative motion between tug and tow • Which condition creates the most immediate risk to the tug’s safety and crew

💭 Think About

• When the engine fails, does the tug stop instantly, or do the tug and tow keep moving? How does that affect the distance between them? • Think about which part (tug or barge) has more momentum and how that momentum will act on the towline if the tug slows faster than the tow. • Which option describes a danger that could happen within seconds, before grounding or traffic problems develop?

✅ Before You Answer

• Compare which choice describes a risk that is immediate and physical to the tug itself, not just a navigational inconvenience. • Visualize the barge’s motion: if the tug suddenly loses thrust, does the towline slacken or tighten? What does that do to the tug? • Ask which consequence could cause loss of control or damage to the tug fastest, even in open water away from shore or traffic.