Question 2350 Deck General

The correct answer is C) hydraulic couplings. The owner or Master of a vessel pushing ahead or towing alongside must ensure that the spring lines, face wires, and push gear are appropriate for the vessel's horsepower and tow arrangement. However, hydraulic couplings are not required to be specifically matched to the vessel's capabilities, as they are primarily used to connect the towed vessel to the towing vessel, rather than being part of the towing arrangement itself. The other answer choices (A, B, and D) are all components of the towing or pushing arrangement that must be properly sized and configured to safely control the towed or pushed vessel, based on the horsepower and other characteristics of the towing vessel.