TM 55-1930-209-14&P-17
CAUTION
Make sure towing bridle and line do not become entangled in
propeller of towing boat.
c.
Raise outboard drive to maximum UP position possible during towing.
d.
Before towing starts, prepare a sea anchor to use as a brake to control forward movement of the towed boat.
WARNING
Keep decks clear in case towing line breaks. Such lines are
extremely dangerous if they break under tow.
CAUTION
Tow at very low speed.
e.
Do not allow towing boat to tow workboat to dock or to barge. Terminate tow away from dock or barge. Final
maneuvering should be done with handlines and/or by pushing and nudging boat into position.
2-15.3 Towing another boat
a.
Discuss towing procedures with operator of towed boat and establish a communications system, preferably two-
way voice radio, between boats.
b.
Make a towing bridle by using heavy line at least 30 feet long. Make a loop in the middle and fasten each end to
one of the stern bitts. Attach bridle to bitts so that it can be quickly and easily disconnected. Secure towing line
to loop in middle of this emergency-towing bridle.
CAUTION
Make sure towing bridle and line do not become entangled in
propeller of towing boat.
c.
Make sure towed boat does not overrun towing boat. Prevent possible collision by using a sea anchor on towed
boat and by using a towline with sufficient length to allow water friction to stop towed boat before it overruns the
towing boat.
WARNING
Keep decks clear in case towing line breaks. Such lines are
extremely dangerous if they break under tow.
CAUTION
Tow at a very low speed.
d.
Do not tow disabled boat to dock. Cast off with plenty of maneuvering room. Work disabled boat to dock with
handlines or nudging with workboat pushknees.
2-16 Shutdown procedures
a.
Come along starboard side of barge. Keep workboat drive in neutral and idle the engine.
CAUTION
If workboat is tied to other than barge and in shallow water
where depth may vary due to tides, tilt outboard drive to full tilt
UP position.
b.
Secure workboat to barge with sufficient bumpers and four lines: bow, stern, and two springlines.
c.
Unload passengers and cargo.
d.
Turn off radio by turning OFF/VOLUME control counterclockwise until it clicks OFF. Turn radio off before turning
off master switch.
2-22
