Towing & Ship-Assist · Emergencies
The single most dangerous place for a deckhand to stand while a towline or hawser is under strain is:
- AOn the bridge
- BIn the bight of the line or in line with its potential recoil ('snap-back zone')✓ Correct
- CAt the galley
- DForward at the bow
Explanation
A line under load that parts snaps back with lethal force along its axis, and a bight can trip or drag a person overboard or sever a limb. Crew must stay out of the bight and clear of the snap-back zone whenever gear is under strain.
Authority: Towing safety; line handling
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