You are towing astern in open shallow water....

Question 1 / 2707066636ee728f7522a1c518ca1

Question 1 of 2707066636ee728f7522a1c518ca1

You are towing astern in open shallow water. What action should you take if your tow sinks?

Question 1 of 27070

You are towing astern in open shallow water. What action should you take if your tow sinks?

🔍 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.

Question 1 of 27070

You are towing astern in open shallow water. What action should you take if your tow sinks?

Attempt to beach it before it goes under

Pay out cable until it's on the bottom and place a buoy on the upper end

Shorten cable to keep it off the bottom

Release it immediately