Question 3 AT01 - Assistance Towing Endorsement

The Correct Answer is C. **Explanation for Option C ("E"):** Option C refers to item **E**, which is the **cross wire** or **cross hawser** connecting the two barges (in this context, likely representing a standard towing/pushing arrangement in illustration D024DG). When the tow (or push boat, if one is attached to the rear barge) is going ahead (transmitting forward thrust), the primary tension member that transfers the pulling or pushing force from the lead barge to the trailing barge is the connection that prevents the barges from separating. The cross wire (E) is specifically rigged tautly across the gap between the lead barge and the trailing barge's stern bitts (or corresponding connection points) to handle this pulling/thrusting action efficiently while keeping the formation rigid. Therefore, E is the item rigged to transmit the thrust when going ahead. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** * **A) I:** Item **I** is the **spring wire** (or spring hawser). The spring wire's primary function is to absorb longitudinal shock, maintain lateral position, and assist in slowing the tow or keeping it aligned during maneuvers, but it is not the main member rigged to transmit continuous forward thrust between the barges in this specific manner. * **B) H:** Item **H** is the **head wire** (or head hawser). The head wire runs from the stern of the lead barge (or the tug if the tug is nestled in the lead barge's stern notch) to the forward bitts of the trailing barge. While it holds the barges together, in a typical tandem push or tow rig like the one implied by D024DG, the **cross wire (E)** is the critical member across the narrow gap transmitting the primary forward force directly between the connection points when going ahead. The head wire (H) often maintains alignment but isn't the primary dedicated thrust transmitter in the same way the taut cross wire is. * **D) B:** Item **B** is the **bridle** (or tow bridle/anchor). The bridle is located at the bow of the lead barge and is used to connect the tow line (if being towed) or anchor the system. It is positioned at the front of the entire assembly and does not transmit thrust *from one barge to another barge* within the tandem formation.