COURSE OVERVIEW:

The safe and efficient use of tugboats is a critical component of port marine operations, particularly when handling large modern vessels in confined waters. This course examines the technical principles of tug assistance, focusing on the various types of tugs, including Conventional, Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD), and Voith Schneider (Tractor) tugs. It provides a technical framework for understanding the forces involved in towing, the mechanics of ship-to-tug interaction, and the operational limits imposed by environmental conditions such as wind, current, and tide.

The scope of this training involves the mastery of berthing and unberthing maneuvers where tugs are utilized to provide lateral force and directional control. Participants will explore the mechanics of "Escort Towing," where tugs assist tankers and other high-risk vessels at higher speeds to prevent grounding or collision in the event of a steering or propulsion failure. The program emphasizes the communication protocols between the Pilot, the Tug Master, and the assisted vessel's Bridge Team to ensure synchronized movement and the prevention of girting or capsizing.

Coverage includes the legal mandates of towage contracts, the technical requirements for towing gear such as winches, wires, and towlines, and the safety procedures for making fast and letting go. The course addresses the nuances of dynamic forces, the "Indirect" and "Direct" methods of towing, and the emergency response procedures for line breakage or engine failure. By focusing on both tactical application and safety management, this course equips maritime professionals with the expertise needed to conduct complex tug assistance operations with precision.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

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

1. Explain the fundamental physics of tug and ship interaction during maneuvers.
2. Differentiate between ASD, Tractor, and Conventional tug capabilities.
3. Identify the ideal positioning of tugs for berthing and unberthing operations.
4. Execute safe "Making Fast" and "Letting Go" procedures for towlines.
5. Manage the risks associated with "Girting" and the use of emergency tow release.
6. Coordinate "Escort Towing" maneuvers at various transit speeds.
7. Utilize the "Indirect" towing method to generate high steering forces.
8. Apply standardized communication phrases between Pilot and Tug Master.
9. Evaluate the impact of "Wash" and "Suction" on the assisted vessel.
10. Monitor the integrity and certification of towing wires, winches, and bitts.
11. Respond effectively to emergency scenarios such as towline failure or propulsion loss.
12. Interpret the technical data on a tug's "Bollard Pull" certificate.
13. Lead a safety briefing for the tug crew before commencing complex operations.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Tug Masters, Pilots, Deck Officers, Port Captains, and Marine Superintendents.

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.