Anywhere in the world where tugs operate in narrow channels, they
work close under bow and stern on a bridle with a line to each bow and quarter
of the ship. By this method, any deviation of the ship immediately tells
on the tug which is instantly in a position to respond. Mersey tugs traditionally
operate further away from the ship on single hawsers, requiring them to travesrse
bow or stern before being able to bring ther weight to bear, by which time they
could well be needed on the opposite bow or quarter. Not being used to
it, they would find working on a bridle very threatening, even if these had been
specially made up for the purpose. As with any specialised application,
it's always wise to let the man doing the job do it the way he knows best, but
in these circumstances the towing arrangements were far from ideal.