Question 2519 Deck General

70% to pass

What action should you take if your tow sinks in shallow water?

A release it immediately
B attempt to beach it before it goes under
C shorten cable to keep it off the bottom
D pay out cable until it's on the bottom and place a buoy on the upper end
AI Explanation

The correct answer is D) pay out cable until it's on the bottom and place a buoy on the upper end. In shallow water, if your tow sinks, the best course of action is to pay out the cable until the tow rests on the bottom, and then place a buoy on the upper end. This allows the tow to remain secured while minimizing the risk of it getting hung up on the bottom or causing further damage. Releasing it immediately (option A) would allow the tow to drift and potentially cause hazards, while attempting to beach it (option B) or shortening the cable (option C) could lead to the tow getting stuck or damaged.

Ready to test your knowledge?

Take a Deck General Practice Exam

Want to practice with timed exams?

Download Coast Guard Exams for the full exam experience with progress tracking.

Get the App