Towing & Ship-Assist · Gear — Synthetic vs Wire
A hazard specific to synthetic (e.g., nylon) towlines and mooring lines compared with wire is:
- AThey cannot float
- BThey cannot be spliced
- CDangerous snap-back recoil when they part, due to their high stretch and stored energy✓ Correct
- DThey conduct electricity
Explanation
Synthetic lines stretch and store large amounts of energy; when they part they recoil violently along the snap-back zone, a leading cause of mooring/towing injuries. Crews keep clear of bights and snap-back zones under load.
Authority: OSHA; OCIMF Mooring Equipment Guidelines
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