This structure is called a towing bit b i t it has two strong posts on it.

This structure is part o the very foundation of the tug.

when we think of a tug, it's towing in our boat.

You're towing from a stern which means your your load is behind you.

The bow is going to be up in the air quite a ways because they're sitting up much higher than this tug.

So a line would be coming down from the bow of your tow and would be secured to the towing bit when steel lines starte being used for towing purposes.

It couldn't be cut with an ax during a storm or other emergency.

When you had to separate fro your from your tow in a hurry.

So this pelican hook was installed.

That would have been about 1906.

Give or take a couple of years.

This is a heavy steel hook with a pivot here.

It's held shut with this bale, and the bale is held in place with a safety pin.

when an emergency comes up, they have to get separated from your tow in a hurry.

The first officer will take the safety pin out.

He will be back a safe distance with his sledge, with a fairly long handle, and he will strike this bale.

Knock it fre and this hook will just fly open almost explosively.

Be very dramatic and dangerous.

The slice from PBS North,