Towing & Ship-Assist · Emergencies — Emergency Towing Connection
A prudent ocean tow rig includes an emergency or 'recovery' arrangement so that if the main gear fails the crew can:
- ATow only by pushing thereafter
- BAbandon the barge immediately in all cases
- CCut the barge loose and report it later
- DReconnect to the tow using a pre-rigged emergency pendant/retrieval line without putting personnel aboard the barge in heavy weather✓ Correct
Explanation
Because boarding a runaway barge in a seaway is extremely dangerous, the original rig carries a pre-rigged emergency pendant and pickup gear (often with a buoy) so the tug can reconnect from the water. Planning the recovery before departure is part of safe ocean-tow practice.
Authority: Towing seamanship references; Subchapter M
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