Question 2436Deck General70% to pass
You are towing a large barge on a hawser. Your main engine suddenly fails. What is the greatest danger?
AI Explanation
The correct answer is D) The tow will overrun the tug.
When the main engine of the tug suddenly fails, the tug loses the power to maintain control and keep the barge under tow. Without engine power, the tug will be unable to prevent the much larger and heavier barge from overtaking and potentially running over the tug. This poses the greatest danger in this situation, as the tow could literally overrun and crush the tug.
The other options, while potentially problematic, are not the greatest danger. The tug and tow may run aground, but that is a secondary concern compared to the barge overrunning the tug. The tow could endanger other traffic or block the channel, but these are also less immediate threats than the tow overtaking the tug.
Related Questions
#2434 A chain bridle is preferable to a wire rope towing bridle on a long ocean tow because chain _______________.#2435 When you have a tow alongside, your stern should extend aft of the tow in order to _______________.#2437 What will NOT reduce yawing of a tow? #2438 To reduce stress on the towing hawser when towing astern (ocean tow), the hawser should be _______________.#2439 Which statement is FALSE about using a wire bridle on an ocean tow?