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The application of positive ship control techniques and the utilization of prudent seamanship are paramount in controlling the dynamics of long towed arrays. To this end, the maintenance of constant ship speed, and hence array speed, is fundamental in minimizing array deformation. Unfortunately, this heavily sea-state-dependent variable is virtually uncontrollable when 'conventional' converted oil drilling support vessels are employed as towing vessels. For many cases, linear regression analysis appears to adequately describe vertical array deformation. The need is clear for increased in situ array monitoring to provide a more thorough understanding of the parameters directly affecting array dynamics. (Author)