Question 1

You are connecting a tow to a vessel in distress. Where should the tow line be attached on the towing vessel?

Accepted Answer

To a bridle from both quarter cleats or to the towing post or samson post, keeping the line aft of the transom.. Towing attachment: attach to a strong point ASTERN of the towing vessel's pivot point, typically via a bridle to both quarter cleats or to a dedicated towing post/samson post. Attaching to the bow causes the vessel to sheer violently as the tow pulls the bow off course. A bridle gives lateral stability and distributes load. The tow line should be long enough to allow both vessels to be in the same trough simultaneously.

Question 2

What type of line is best suited for a tow warp and why?

Accepted Answer

Nylon (polyamide), because its high stretch absorbs snatch loads as the towing vessel rises and falls with the waves.. TOW WARP material: NYLON is ideal, its high stretch (25-40%) acts as a natural shock absorber, absorbing the violent snatch loads that occur as both vessels ride the same wave system but at slightly different times. Without elasticity, the tow line loads can be tremendous and cause breakage or structural damage. Wire rope and Dyneema have virtually no stretch, catastrophic snatch loads. Polypropylene is weak and UV-degrades. A long nylon tow warp with a heavy section (anchor chain) in the middle is the ideal arrangement.

Question 3

You are about to take another vessel in tow at sea. What preparations must you make on both vessels?

Accepted Answer

Clear aft; rig fairleads and strong-point attachments; minimise towing speed; check rudder; steer tow to follow; brief crews; agree VHF/signals; check chafe.. TOWING PREPARATION: TOWING VESSEL: clear the aft working deck; rig the tow warp through a suitable stern fairlead or over a stern roller; secure to a structural strong point suitable for the anticipated towing load. A single cleat may be suitable if its strength and supporting structure are adequate. Take up slack gently and use a safe towing speed; display the appropriate towing lights and shapes. TOWED VESSEL: rig the tow line through a suitable bow fairlead and secure to a suitable structural strong point; check the steering and, where serviceable, have a competent person at the helm to follow the towing vessel. Steering failure does not preclude towing, but requires suitable arrangements. BOTH VESSELS: brief crews, agree a VHF channel and backup signals, warn crews before taking strain, keep personnel clear of loaded lines and check regularly for chafe.

Towing, questions and explanations

You are connecting a tow to a vessel in distress. Where should the tow line be attached on the towing vessel?

What type of line is best suited for a tow warp and why?

You are about to take another vessel in tow at sea. What preparations must you make on both vessels?

Practise this properly

Towing, questions and explanations

Questions

You are connecting a tow to a vessel in distress. Where should the tow line be attached on the towing vessel?

What type of line is best suited for a tow warp and why?

You are about to take another vessel in tow at sea. What preparations must you make on both vessels?

Practise this properly