Question: I am Considering offering my boat for use by AUX. It is a 42 ft Jersey on Chesapeake Bay. What is the recommended or required length and diameter to be used to make-up a bridal and towline for the towing vessel?

Answer: Work with your vessel examiner to determine the proper rig for towing. The proper size will depend on your vessel characteristics, age, cleats and other factors best checked on a local level to comply with the manual.

Question: The picture of the throwable shows a line snaked around the life ring which would make sense for grabbing the ring. Or should the line be attached to the throwable as a line to pull the person back to the boat?

Answer: The rule states that Throwable devices shall be "immediately available." But our training shows that good practice is to have a line attached so you can pull the throwable back in if you do not get it close to the target and to be able to pull the person back to the boat as well.