Pilots' Pocket Guide and Checklist - Working safely with harbour tugs. Reducing the risks in port towage. Second edition

This pocket guide is supported by diagrams that illustrate tug types, towage and hydrodynamic interactions. Practical guidance is given on the use of messenger and heaving lines, explaining the role Pilots can play in promoting best practice. Checklists on subjects such as towage in restricted visibility ensure that readers are familiar, at a glance, with the safest procedure to follow.

Harbour towage is a potentially hazardous operation and should not be undertaken unless there has been a proper assessment of the risks involved. It is critical that risks are minimised, and this is best achieved through:

1. Good communication and teamwork between all parties
2. Planning clear operational limits to facilitate timely interventions – through the use of a shared mental model
3. Good seamanship skills and crew competency

Thorough training and appropriate experience are also essential in ensuring that the professionals involved are competent. To assist in this process, this guide aims to support pilots and PEC (Pilot Exemption Certificate) holders in their daily tasks. It draws on industry best practice and uses checklists coupled with guidance to provide a handy pocket aide-memoire for those responsible for directing tugs during harbour towage.

The guide has been written by members of the British Tugowners Association in conjunction with the UK Maritime Pilots’ Association to promote and improve safety in harbour towage.

The British Tugowners Association is a discrete part of the UK Chamber of Shipping.

Disclaimer and Acknowledgements
Introduction
Checklist and Communications
Best Practice in Harbour Towage
Need to Know - Tugs and Towage

The UK Chamber of Shipping

The UK Chamber of Shipping is the trade association and voice of the UK shipping industry. We work with Government, parliament, international organisations and others to champion and protect the industry on behalf of our members.

It is our mission to deliver for our members trusted specialist expertise, lobbying and influence at a UK level on maritime issues across national, European and international government and governmental bodies. By combining the strength of our members with this expertise we will advance the competitive strength of the industry ensuring that the UK remains as a leader in the global maritime business.

https://ukchamberofshipping.com/about-us/our-mission/