Question 17 AT01 - Assistance Towing Endorsement

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for Option C (The towing vessel should slip first):** In a towing operation, especially involving a large, broken-down vessel using a wire rope and anchor cable, the primary objective in an emergency requiring the tow to be slipped is to immediately remove the potential danger (the towline and the trailing vessel) from the towing vessel. The towing vessel is the maneuvering vessel, responsible for navigation, safety, and avoidance of grounding or collision. If the towing vessel slips first: 1. **Immediate Safety:** The towing vessel is instantly free of the strain and drag of the towline, allowing it to take immediate evasive action, regain maneuverability, and secure its own safety (e.g., if a sudden hazard, heavy weather, or machinery breakdown requires rapid freedom). 2. **Control:** The towing vessel, being free, retains control over the situation and can then assess the drift and danger to the now drifting towed vessel, potentially returning to assist once the immediate threat is mitigated. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) They should slip simultaneously:** While synchronized action is desirable, it is extremely difficult to coordinate perfectly, especially under emergency stress and potentially compromised communications. If they do not slip at the exact same moment, the one that slips slightly later will experience immediate and dangerous strain or whipping of the remaining line, which defeats the purpose of the emergency procedure. * **B) The vessel towed should slip first:** If the towed vessel slips first, the entire length of the heavy towline (wire rope and anchor cable) is left dangling from the stern of the towing vessel. This creates an immediate hazard, including the risk of fouling the towing vessel’s propeller or rudder, severely restricting its maneuverability, and preventing the towing vessel from safely escaping the emergency situation. * **D) Either vessel may slip first:** This is incorrect because the consequences of the towed vessel slipping first (fouling the propeller of the towing vessel) are far more severe and dangerous than the consequences of the towing vessel slipping first. Standard maritime safety protocols dictate that the vessel in control (the towing vessel) must prioritize its ability to maneuver and remain safe.