Towing & Ship-Assist · Ship-Assist — Making Fast on the Hip
When a tug works 'on the hip' (alongside) to assist a ship, it is made fast with:
- ANo lines, relying on friction
- BA single towline astern only
- CHeadline, sternline, and spring lines so it can push and back as a unit with the ship✓ Correct
- DThe ship's anchor
Explanation
Working on the hip, the tug is breasted alongside (often toward the ship's quarter) with a headline, sternline, and springs so it can apply ahead and astern thrust and steering as part of the ship. Spring lines transmit fore-and-aft force; the breast lines hold the tug against the hull.
Authority: Ship-assist references
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