Question 2369 Deck General

The correct answer is A) reduce shock stress on the towing hawser. When towing astern, increased catenary (the curve in the towing hawser) will reduce the shock stress on the towing hawser. This is because the increased catenary allows the hawser to absorb and dampen the forces exerted on it, preventing sudden jerks or jolts that could potentially damage the hawser. The other answer choices are incorrect because increased catenary does not directly increase control of the tow (B), prevent the towing vessel from going in irons (C), or make the towing vessel less maneuverable (D).