You have been towing astern and have just let go the tow. Your deckhands are pulling in and faking the towline by hand on the stern. The most dangerous action to take is to __________.

Correct Answer: Option C — back down on your engines

Backing down while deckhands handle slack towline on the stern creates extreme hazard. The propeller wash and stern movement can easily catch the floating line, fouling the propeller and rudder, resulting in a complete loss of propulsion and steering control in confined waters.