Towing & Ship-Assist · Maneuvering — Flanking (Rivers)
On the Western Rivers, 'flanking' a towboat downbound around a tight bend means:
- AUsing engines and the current to drift/pivot the tow around the bend with minimal headway, maintaining control✓ Correct
- BIncreasing to full ahead through the bend
- CCasting off barges
- DAnchoring in the bend
Explanation
Flanking is a downbound maneuver where the pilot reduces headway and uses backing/twin-screw thrust and the current to walk the tow around a sharp bend, since a long rigid tow cannot turn quickly with way on.
Authority: Western Rivers towing practice
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