Coast Guard Exams
Question 3899Deck General70% to pass

When a tug is pulling on a hawser at right angles to the ship, and the pilot wants to come ahead or astern on the ship's engine, care must be taken that the pilot _______________.

AI Explanation
The correct answer is D) does not get too much way on the vessel. When a tug is pulling a ship at a right angle, the pilot must be careful not to get too much speed (way) on the vessel. If the ship has too much way, the tension on the towline can become excessive, which increases the risk of the towline breaking. It's important to maintain a steady, controlled speed to keep the towline tight without generating excessive strain. The other options are incorrect because: A) turning the ship towards the pull could make the towline angle more acute, increasing tension; B) keeping a steady course alone does not prevent excessive towline tension; and C) while avoiding towline breakage is important, the key is controlling the ship's speed, not just the towline.

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