Question 2374 Deck General

The correct answer is C) catenary. The term "catenary" refers to the dip or curve in a towline that acts as a shock absorber. This curve or sag in the towline helps to absorb the sudden forces and stresses that can occur during towing operations, reducing the risk of line breakage or damage to the towing vessel and the towed object. The other options are incorrect: A) step is not a term used to describe the towline dip, B) "shock dip" is not a standard industry term, and D) "bight" refers to a loop or bend in the towline, not the dip or curve.