Question 5067 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 tow's speed is generally less than the tug's speed. The slower speed of the towed rig makes it more susceptible to being offset by the current, as the tug's higher speed allows it to better overcome the effects of the current. The tow line itself does not significantly catch the current, and yawing is not the primary factor. The key is that the towed rig's lower speed makes it more vulnerable to being pushed off course by the ocean current compared to the tug operating independently at a higher speed.