When shortening the tow, what should be done with the slack from the towline?

When shortening the tow, it's important to pull in the slack from the towline to ensure effective control and safety. By managing the slack, you minimize the risk of entanglement, reduce the chances of sudden jerks or shocks to the tow, and maintain a more stable and secure connection between the towing vessel and the towed object.

Having excess slack can lead to dangerous situations where the towing vessel may be unable to respond quickly to changes in speed or direction, and can create instability for the towed object. Pulling in the slack allows for a tighter and more controlled towing arrangement, which is critical for safe navigation and maneuverability.

In contrast, throwing the slack overboard could create hazards for other vessels or introduce potential entanglement risks. Cutting it loose could result in loss of control over the tow, while leaving it as is may lead to unnecessary complications during the towing operation. Managing the slack appropriately is a fundamental part of safe towing practices.