Lots of people are not aware of this concept. 1 point for
bringing it up.

Ever try hip towing in the fog? I once lost my GPS in the
thick fog while hip towing. All I had was a compass, but with
the difficulty steering, I doubt I could have found my way.

Fortunately, I removed, cleaned and reinserted the batteries
in my GPS and got it back online.

"Joe" wrote

Most times if not all when a barge is on the Hip the tug is still as
far aft as possiable. That way he can still control the barge. Its a
**** poor way to tow but needed in some situations. Never is the barge
on the hip near the bow of the barge. You would have next to no
control.