long time ago, when I took command of an ocean going salvage tug, I learned that the tug Captain was responsible for inspecting a tow before accepting it for towing, and once you were hooked up, it was yours until you dropped the tow at its destination. Inspecting the tow, especially for ocean towing, was a major evolution complete with checklist because having problems with a tow at sea, especially in poor weather is a very bad thing. It's a no excuse business.