Towing & Ship-Assist · Towline — Chafe Protection
At fairleads and the stern where a towline bends or rubs, the crew should fit:
- AA second engine
- BExtra weight to increase friction
- CChafing gear (parceling, split hose, or rollers) to protect the line from abrasion✓ Correct
- DNothing — abrasion strengthens the line
Explanation
Where a towline passes over a fairlead, bitt, or the stern, repeated motion abrades the fibers or wire strands. Chafing gear — split hose, canvas parceling, or roller fairleads — spreads the load and shields the line, preventing a chafe-induced failure under tension.
Authority: Towing seamanship references
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