Question 550Deck Safety70% to pass
You have taken another vessel in tow at sea. You can tell that the towing speed is too fast when the _______________.
AI Explanation
The correct answer is D) the catenary comes clear of the water.
When towing another vessel at sea, the towing speed should be controlled to maintain a proper catenary (the curved shape of the tow line between the two vessels). If the towing speed is too fast, the catenary will come clear of the water, which indicates that the towing speed is excessive and should be reduced. This can cause strain on the tow line and the vessels involved.
The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) the "jumping" tow line is more indicative of an improper towing arrangement or rough seas, not necessarily excessive speed; B) the vessels not being "in step" could be caused by a variety of factors, not just speed; and C) the towed vessel going "in irons" (turning broadside to the wind and current) is more related to the towed vessel's handling characteristics, not the towing speed.
Related Questions
#548 While steering by autopilot you notice that the vessel is deviating from the given course and there is no follow up with corrective rudder action to return to the proper heading. The emergency operating procedure should require you to immediately change operation from _______________.#549 A situation has occurred in which your vessel must be towed. When the towing vessel passes the towing line to you, you should secure the line _______________.#551 The vessel shown in illustration D025DG has broken down and you are going to take her in tow. The wind is coming from her starboard beam. You are making more leeway than she. Where should you position your vessel when you start running lines? #552 The vessel shown in illustration D025DG has broken down and you are going to take her in tow. The wind is on her starboard beam. Both vessels are making the same amount of leeway. Where should you position your vessel when you start running lines? #553 If the situation arose where it became necessary to tow a disabled vessel, which statement is TRUE concerning the towing line?