Question 2269 Deck General

The correct answer is D) Nylon. Nylon is the preferred type of towing hawser for towing astern because it has superior shock-absorbing qualities compared to other materials like polypropylene, polyester, or manila. This shock-absorbing property helps reduce the strain on the towing vessel and the towed vessel during the towing operation, making it the safer and more reliable choice for this application according to US Coast Guard regulations. The other options, such as polypropylene, polyester, and manila, do not have the same level of shock absorption and are generally not recommended for towing astern, where the forces and stresses on the towing hawser can be significant.