Towing & Ship-Assist · Gear — Surge / Snubbing
Snubbing (controlled surging of a line around a bitt) is used to:
- AGradually take up or pay out load on a line under tension without losing control✓ Correct
- BPermanently secure a line
- CCut a line
- DMeasure line length
Explanation
By taking turns on a bitt/kevel and easing or holding, the crew can surge a line under load in a controlled way, dissipating energy through friction rather than holding the full load rigidly — useful when making up or easing a tow.
Authority: Knight's Modern Seamanship; line handling
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