🔍 Key Concepts

• Towing in shallow water and what happens to the towline when the tow sinks • Hazards of a sinking tow to the towing vessel (e.g., tripping, capsizing, loss of control) • Proper way to mark an underwater hazard for other vessels

💭 Think About

• If the tow sinks while still attached, what forces will act on your towline in shallow water? Think about how the line might behave over the bottom. • Which choice best reduces danger to your own vessel while still considering the safety of other traffic? • How can other mariners know there is a sunken object and avoid it later?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which options might increase strain on the towline and risk tripping your tug. • Consider which action provides a clear, lasting warning to other vessels about the sunken tow. • Eliminate any options that focus only on saving the tow but ignore safety of your vessel and other traffic.