What is the purpose of the tending line in the pump transfer procedure?

What is the purpose of the tending line in the pump transfer procedure?

• A. Secure the pump to deck
• B. Provide power to the pump
• C. Control movement of the pump after it's in the water
• D. Tow the pump to another boat

Answer: (C)

The tending line is used to control the pump’s position once it’s in the water. After lowering or transferring the pump, currents, wind, and waves can push it off course or cause it to drift. The tending line gives the crew a hands-on way to guide and hold the pump where needed, keep it within reach for secure retrieval, and prevent it from striking the hull, propeller, or other gear. It also allows controlled deployment and re-collection, typically via a winch or by hand, so the pump can be maneuvered safely back aboard or to another vessel. Securing the pump to deck is done with lashings or other restraints before lowering; it isn’t the purpose of a tending line. Providing power to the pump is accomplished by fuel or a power source, not by a line. Towing the pump would require a towing line and a different procedure.

The tending line is used to control the pump’s position once it’s in the water. After lowering or transferring the pump, currents, wind, and waves can push it off course or cause it to drift. The tending line gives the crew a hands-on way to guide and hold the pump where needed, keep it within reach for secure retrieval, and prevent it from striking the hull, propeller, or other gear. It also allows controlled deployment and re-collection, typically via a winch or by hand, so the pump can be maneuvered safely back aboard or to another vessel.

Securing the pump to deck is done with lashings or other restraints before lowering; it isn’t the purpose of a tending line. Providing power to the pump is accomplished by fuel or a power source, not by a line. Towing the pump would require a towing line and a different procedure.