Definition
Gog ropes, gob ropes, bridle wires, and related chains are towing-control arrangements used to manage the lead, geometry, and lateral movement of a towline. The terms are related but not interchangeable, so the accident page preserves the wording used by each source.
Why it matters
The arrangement of the towing point and control lines affects the direction and magnitude of towline forces. A failed, absent, or poorly configured arrangement can reduce manoeuvring margin, increase lateral loading, or leave a tug exposed to girting and capsize.