Specifications

Chapter 6 – Mission Performance
Section H. Towing
Introduction
Towing a disabled vessel requires a high degree of awareness of all
potential hazards, as well as full knowledge of the capabilities and
limitations of the particular components within the towing operation. The
safety of your crew and the crew of the towed vessel is more important than
property.
NOTE
WARNING
H.1. Angular
Momentum
Overcoming angular momentum can be far more hazardous on smaller non-
displacement hulls such as the RB-HS and RB-S. When changing the
direction of the tow, the towed vessel will develop angular momentum; the
vessel’s heading begins to change and it wants to keep changing in that
same direction. Attempts to correct angular momentum can create a
tripping hazard. Coxswains need to anticipate how the momentum will
affect the towed vessel’s motion and apply an offsetting force early and
gradually.
Towing procedures are described in the Boat Crew Seamanship Manual, COMDTINST
M16114.5 (series).
Due to their limited size and hull design, Defender Class boats are more susceptible to
tripping. A boat is said to be tripping when it is towed sideways by an opposing force on
its own towline. There is imminent danger that a boat will capsize when in a tripping
situation. If your vessel is caught in a tripping situation, the coxswain must attempt to
maneuver to position the stern back under the towline; or sever the towline at the bitt.
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