Over The Bow Volume 75 Issue 3 Fall 2017 | Page 55

One lesson confirmed by this assist is the value of including a kicker skiff hook as part of a facility's towing equipment. In this case, routine evaluation raised doubts that the distressed vessel's cleats could support a tow without creating undue risk to both the vessel's occupants and COGA II's crew. The facility's skiff hook arrangement readily allowed for a safer tow via the vessel's towing eye.