Question 2384 Deck General

The correct answer is D) All of the above. The effect of excessive catenary (the curved portion of the towing hawser between the towing vessel and the tow) in shallow water can result in: 1) Snagging sunken or submerged objects on the seafloor, which can damage the hawser or endanger the towing operation. 2) Dragging the towing hawser along the bottom, which can cause chafing and wear on the hawser. 3) Slowing, stopping or endangering the towing operation by placing the tug in irons, where the tug loses steering control due to the hawser configuration. All of these effects can negatively impact the safety and success of a towing operation in shallow water, which is why D) All of the above is the correct answer.