When shortening the tow, what should you do with the slack from the towline to bring the disabled boat alongside?

When shortening the tow, what should you do with the slack from the towline to bring the disabled boat alongside?

• A. Pull
• B. Ease
• C. Push
• D. Hold off

Answer: (A)

When shortening the tow, you take in the slack on the towline. Gently pulling the line in tightens the connection and reduces the distance between vessels, which helps keep the disabled boat alongside and the tow more controllable. A shorter, taut towline also puts the line at a better angle for steering and reduces drift or yaw. Moving the line in slowly avoids shock loads and prevents sudden jerks that could damage equipment or injure crew. Easing would let the gap grow, delaying the tow, while pushing or holding off wouldn’t bring the disabled vessel closer. Pulling the slack in is the correct action to bring the boats together safely and maintain control.

When shortening the tow, you take in the slack on the towline. Gently pulling the line in tightens the connection and reduces the distance between vessels, which helps keep the disabled boat alongside and the tow more controllable. A shorter, taut towline also puts the line at a better angle for steering and reduces drift or yaw. Moving the line in slowly avoids shock loads and prevents sudden jerks that could damage equipment or injure crew.

Easing would let the gap grow, delaying the tow, while pushing or holding off wouldn’t bring the disabled vessel closer. Pulling the slack in is the correct action to bring the boats together safely and maintain control.