Question 4572 Deck General

The correct answer is D) the speed of the tow is less. The effect of ocean currents is more evident on a rig being towed than on a tug navigating independently because the towed rig has a lower speed relative to the current. When a tug is navigating independently, it can more easily counteract the current's effects through its own propulsion. However, a towed rig, moving at a slower speed, is more susceptible to being offset by the current, as the current's speed becomes a larger fraction of the rig's speed. This makes the current's effect more noticeable on the towed rig compared to the faster-moving tug. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not directly explain why the current's effect is more evident on a towed rig. Option A is incorrect as yawing is not the primary reason. Option B is incorrect as the current offsetting the rig is the effect, not the cause. Option C is incorrect as the tow line does not specifically catch the current to a greater degree.