COURSE OVERVIEW:

The Fundamentals of Efficient Tugboats and Mooring Boats Operations course is a specialized program focusing on the critical role of auxiliary vessels in port maneuvers. This course examines the technical and operational synergy required between tugs, mooring boats, and the larger vessels they assist. It provides a comprehensive understanding of how to manage the immense forces involved in towing, pushing, and line handling to ensure the safe arrival and departure of ships within the confined waters of a harbor.

The scope of this training involves the detailed analysis of various tug configurations, including conventional, Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD), and tractor tugs. Participants will explore the physics of towline tension, the "Pivot Point" of the assisted vessel, and the aerodynamic and hydrodynamic forces that influence a maneuver. The program emphasizes the practical communication protocols between the Tug Master, Pilot, and Mooring Boat crew, which are essential for preventing collisions and cable snaps during high-pressure berthing operations.

Coverage includes the safety aspects of mooring boat operations, focusing on the hazards of "Snap-Back" zones and the handling of heavy synthetic or wire lines. The course addresses the maintenance of winches, towing hooks, and propulsion systems to ensure 24/7 operational readiness. By combining vessel handling theory with rigorous safety standards, this course equips boat crews and port operators with the expertise to execute efficient maneuvers that minimize port congestion and vessel turnaround time.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1. Identify the operational characteristics of ASD, Tractor, and Conventional tugs.
2. Explain the physics of "Bollard Pull" and its application in ship assistance.
3. Utilize effective communication phrases between the Tug, Pilot, and Ship.
4. Execute safe approach maneuvers to a moving vessel for line connection.
5. Manage towline tension to prevent snap-back and equipment failure.
6. Identify "Snap-Back" zones and high-risk areas on tugs and mooring boats.
7. Perform safe line-running operations from the ship to the jetty.
8. Distinguish between various towing methods: Push-pull, towing on the hip, and long-tow.
9. Implement emergency procedures for "Girting" or "Capsizing" prevention.
10. Oversee the maintenance of towing winches, hooks, and fendering.
11. Navigate the environmental challenges of wind, tide, and current during berthing.
12. Lead the mooring boat crew in safe rope handling and boat positioning.
13. Analyze the impact of "Interaction" forces between hulls in shallow water.

TARGET AUDIENCE:  

Tug Masters, Mooring Boat Crews, Port Pilots, Marine Operations Supervisors, and Port Safety Officers.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.