TOWAGE OF SMALLER VESSELS AND

BARGES IN COASTAL WATERS

TOWED OBJECT IMPLEMENTATION PRE-TOWING
• Risk and condition assessment. • Installation of bridles and check of strength of connecting points.

• Seaworthiness. • Stability calculation in actual condition to be carried out both for

• Manned/Unmanned. the tug and the tow.

• Cargo. • Secure cargo and all loose equipment.

• Route planning and timetable with port or place of refuge. Other • Water integrity secured/checked.

traffic. Navigational warnings. • Securing of propeller shaft if applicable.

• Draught, freeboard, bow height, air draught, current, tidal water. • Securing of rudder if applicable.

• Weather. Restrictions on wind and wave height. • Tank and bilge sounding. Survey of void spaces.

• Speed and length of towing line. • Draught readings.

• Plan for towing arrangements. • Marking of actual water line.
• Method and connecting arrangements. • Emergency pumps installed/checked.
• Chain bridle is recommended. • Navigational lights and shapes rigged/checked.
• Location of connecting point, strength/ adequacy, calculations/ • Emergency towing arrangements installed.
to be checked • Anchor and winches checked/tested if applicable.
• Navigation lights and shapes. • Preparedness for emergency use.
• Emergency tow wire. • Gangway/pilot ladder or other boarding arrangements made
• Boarding arrangements. available for use during voyage.
• Bilge pumping arrangements.

• Contacts with authorities, classification and CONNECTION OF TUG AND CHECKS

insurance company.
• Condition survey of towed object. AT DEPARTURE
• Certificates. Control and update if necessary. • Installation of towing bridle.

• Stability. • Connection of towing line.

• Water integrity. • Check of navigational lights and shapes.

• Safety (lifesaving appliances, fire safety etc.) • Check of emergency towing arrangements.

• Towage approval. Before departure. • Check of emergency anchoring arrangements.

• Communication • Check Control of tug’s certificates and permits.

• Contact list and means of contact, including back-up systems. • Check of tuǵ s towing arrangement and certificates.

• Voyage reporting • Confirm weather forecast for next 36 and 72 hours.

• Contingency plan for emergency situations. • Confirm weather, wind and wave height restrictions.

• Check route and passage plans.

• Check procedure for arrival to destination and port(s) of refuge.

TUG
• Check contact details and reporting routines.

• Size and capacity. Calculation of bollard pull. • Approval from classification/authorities regarding towage

• Trading permits and certificates. arrangement.

• Towing equipment. Suitable chains, wires, ropes etc. • Review of towage operation with tug master.

• Towage agreement.

• Bunker and supplies.

• Work safety to be assessed.