A new towing-block for side-trawling

A towing (or hook-up) block Is used as a guide or fair-lead for net tow cables at the stern of a side trawler. It must attach to the cables quickly, hold them securely during the trawling run, and release them at the end of each run in order for the nets to be brought on board. The towing-block now in use is slow and dangerous to operate, requiring the fisherman to encircle the heavily-loaded cables with his arms in attaching the block, and it must often be pried apart to release. It has been the cause of many injuries. A new towing-block has been designed which automatically secures as it is dropped or pushed onto the cables, and which may be released by pulling a lanyard. A prototype has been built and field tested. It has been enthusiastically accepted by the fishermen who have used it, and has been operated successfully in the field since October, 1974.