Product

Tug Stability - A practical Guide to safe Operations


by Captain Henk Hensen (Marine Consultant) 288 -

Tug Stability - A practical Guide to safe Operations
A must for tug operators and tug masters

Numerous harbour tugs have capsized often with dramatic consequences. Stability is a complex subject and mainly a specialism of naval architects. Tug masters seldom have this detailed knowledge – yet they experience the effects of a tug’s stability every day when manoeuvring their tug, either free sailing or when assisting ships.

Tugs will often be working with towline forces, hydrodynamic forces, steering and propulsion forces at or near their maximum with respect to the vessel’s stability. It is, therefore, not just desirable but necessary for tug masters to have at least a basic idea of the elements of stability.

They need to know where the limits are, and what the consequences could be, if tug handling practices don’t conform to the rules of stability in normal circumstances and also when extreme conditions such as dense fog and storms occur.

Furthermore, a tug’s stability is not a static condition but can change with every moment. Alterations in the amount of bunkers or stores, water on deck, slack tanks and ice accretion, all complicate the stability situation.

These various factors could combine to affect stability in a negative way and may even culminate in a very dangerous situation for the tug. In writing this handbook, master mariner FG and pilot Captain Henk Hensen and naval architect Dr Markus van der Laan have focused on the practical aspects of stability, tug design and equipment and also on the consequences of unsafe procedures.

Most items are clarified by simple drawings and photographs in order to optimise the explanations. It is written in such a way that it can readily be understood by all tug masters and all others in one way or another involved in tug operations, regardless of their underpinning education, formal qualifications, nationality or operational backgrounds.

The book is published by ABR Company Ltd. UK, and can be ordered at: www.tugandosv.com
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article Offers of used Pilot Boats welcome

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 8 March 2020

One of our clients in Europe is looking for a small Pilot Boat (35-36 ft.) to buy.

0

Article Malaysia Pilots want to prioritise vaccination

published on 7 June 2021

While in many western countries of the world, pilots there have already been preferentially vaccinated against COVID-19, pilots in other countries such as Malaysia are struggling to get vaccinated.

0

Article The World’s Largest Container Vessel “HMM ALGECIRAS” Transits the Suez Canal

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 2 June 2020

Admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) witnessed the transit of HMM ALGECIRAS, the world's largest container vessel, on its maiden voyage since its launching last April. It transited among the south convoy, via the New Suez Canal, heading from Yantian to Rotterdam.

0

Article AMSA has published the first marine incident annual report

published on 20 October 2020

AMS has released the annual report of marine incidents reported from regulated Australian and foreign flagged vessels in Australian waters. It includes an analysis of reported marine incidents during 2016 to 2019, with a focus on 2019 data.

0

Video Laurentian Pilotage Authority (Image Film)

published on 22 June 2022

Interesing film about the work of the Laurentian Pilotage Authority (Canada).

0

Video Port of Fremantle

published on 14 October 2019

Case Study: A study conducted for Fremantle Ports on vessel interacting within the harbour.

0

Video Always on the spot - how the pilots get to the vessels quickly and safely

published on 21 February 2023

On duty 24/7, 365 days a year. The pilot service is always on hand when a ship is heading for or leaving the Port of Hamburg. Fleet Hamburg reliably brings the pilots on board the ships and that is a fast-paced task. New challenges await every day. Find out more in this episode of "PORT IS WHAT WE DO".
https://www.hamburg-port-authority.de/en/
https://www.instagram.com/hamburgerhafen/

1

Video Pilot Boat in Willemstad, Curacao

published on 11 February 2022

Willemstad, Curacao- Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge.

0

Article AIMPA Journal- October 2021 issue XV

by AIMPA - All India Marine Pilots' Association - published on 15 October 2021

The All India Maritime Pilots' Association has released its new journal for October

0

Article Incident on 31 January 2020 : A rope of the pilot ladder breaks. Pilot could still reach the vessel

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 3 February 2020

Itajai, Brazil. Photo and video

0