Towing & Ship-Assist · Emergencies — Yawing/Sheering Tow
If a towed barge begins to yaw and sheer badly from side to side, the towing vessel can often reduce it by:
- ASlowing down and/or adjusting towline length, and checking the barge's trim✓ Correct
- BIncreasing to full speed immediately
- CCasting off the tow
- DSounding five short blasts and continuing unchanged
Explanation
Sheering usually worsens with speed and with improper trim or towline length. Reducing speed lowers the dynamic forces; adjusting the towline (and correcting head trim) helps the barge settle in behind the tug. Persistent sheering may require a drogue or bridle adjustment.
Authority: Towing seamanship references
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