Rigging the LCU to be Towed

Custom Search

FIGURE 2-260. Protected Water Tow Rig.

TM-55-1905-223-10 Landing Craft Utility (LCU 200 Class) NSN 1905-01-154-1191 Manual

Firefighting System Operation.

TM 55-1905-223-10

CAUTION

The slack in the bridle leg outboard of the forecastle must be secured with stopper

hitches to keep it clear of the anchor to avoid fouling the bridle leg when setting the

tow.

(3) Place STOPPER HITCHES (10) in the bite of the BRIDLE LEG (5) to keep it clear of the water and

clear of the anchor.

WARNING

Shackles can have a screw type pin, bolt with a nut and pin with a wedge and

forelock key. The screw type must be moused to prevent it backing out. The bolt

and nut type pin usually have a cotter key to prevent the nut backing off; however,

the nut can shear the cotter key so it must also be moused. If the tow is over a

long distance the nut and bolt must be tack welded to the shackle. The head of the

pin with a wedge and forelock key must be tack welded to the shackle. If the

shackle releases from the fishplate, the bridle leg could whip across the forecastle

deck causing personal injury or death.

(4) Connect the BRIDLE LEG (5) to the FISHPLATE (7) with a SHACKLE (8) and secure the shackle

pin.

(5) Place the eye of the BRIDLE LEG (2) on the port side on the forward post of the BITT (1). Lead the

bite around the outboard side of the aft post of the BITT (1), through the CHOCK (3) and across the

outboard side of the ramp to the starboard side 'forecastle, to the port aft SHACKLE (8) of the

FISHPLATE (7).

(6) Place a STOPPER HITCH (10) on the BRIDLE LEG (2) and life line where it comes under the life

line on the starboard forecastle.

(7) Connect the BRIDLE LEG (2) to the FISHPLATE (7) with a SHACKLE (8) and secure the shackle

pin.

NOTE

The rescue vessel will pass a messenger line to haul aboard the tow line. If the

bow anchor winch is operational use the gypsy head to haul the tow line aboard. If

the bow anchor is not operational the tow line can be hauled aboard by hand or a

block and tackle rig.

(8) Haul tow line aboard and secure with a stopper.

(9) Position FISHPLATE (7) with the SHACKLE (4) for attaching tow line facing forward and secure with

small stuff.

2-684