USCG Exam PracticeLoad line and tonnage basics
Under 33 CFR §164.74(b), a winch fitted on a vessel towing astern must have a brake attached to the main drum meeting specific criteria. Which statement correctly describes those criteria?
- ✓ The brake must have holding power appropriate for the horsepower or bollard pull of the vessel and must be operable without power to the winchCorrect
- B. The brake must have holding power equal to twice the towline's minimum breaking strength and must be power-operated
- C. The brake must be operable without power to the winch and must be rated to the towline manufacturer's specifications
- D. The brake must have holding power appropriate for the static load of the tow and must be operable with or without power to the winch
Why A is correct
33 CFR §164.74(b)(7) requires that if a winch is fitted, the brake attached to the main drum must have holding power appropriate for the horsepower or bollard pull of the vessel and must be capable of being operated without power to the winch. The regulation does not reference the towline's breaking strength or static load as the brake standard.
Cited:33 CFR §164.74