Towing & Ship-Assist · Gear — Bridle and Fishplate
On a bridle (two legs to the barge corners), the fishplate (flounder plate) serves to:
- AJoin the two bridle legs to the towline pendant at a single point✓ Correct
- BMeasure the towline tension electronically
- CProvide buoyancy to the towline
- DLight the tow at night
Explanation
The fishplate (or flounder plate) is a heavy triangular plate that connects the two legs of the bridle to the towing pendant/hawser at one junction, distributing the towing load between the legs and allowing the bridle to articulate.
Authority: Towing seamanship references
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