Course Overview
This 5-day intensive program equips tug operators, marine supervisors, and port personnel with advanced skills in safe vessel handling, emergency response, and hazard mitigation in port, coastal, and offshore environments. Participants will master COLREGs application, towing dynamics, and crisis management through simulator training and live drills.
Course Objectives
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Execute precision tug handling in confined waters
- Apply COLREGs for collision prevention
- Manage towing operations (astern, push, escort)
- Respond to marine emergencies (fire, flooding, man overboard)
- Control pollution risks (fuel spills, containment)
- Navigate extreme conditions (strong currents, ice, low visibility)
- Coordinate with VTS and port authorities
- Implement digital navigation tools (ECDIS, AIS, radar)
Who Should Attend
This course is essential for:
- Tug Masters & Pilots
- Harbor & Port Operations Staff
- Offshore Support Vessel Crew
- Marine Safety Officers
- Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Operators
- Coast Guard & SAR Teams
- Marine Warranty Surveyors
Course Modules
Module 1: Advanced Tug & Boat Handling
- Vessel Dynamics
- Bollard pull calculations
- Pivot point theory
- Interaction effects (bank, squat)
- Maneuvering Techniques
- Escort towing
- DP-assisted operations
- Multi-tug coordination
Module 2: Hazard Prevention & COLREGs
- Hazard Type
- Prevention Strategy
- Emergency Protocol
- Collision – Radar/ARPA best practices – Emergency breakaway
- Grounding – ECDIS safety contours – Refloating procedures
- Fire – Hot work permits – Fixed firefighting systems
Module 3: Towing & Marine Operations
- Rigging Configurations
- Wire vs. synthetic towlines
- Bridle angle optimization
- Specialized Operations
- Heavy lift towing
- Salvage techniques
- Ice navigation
Module 4: Emergency Response
- Man Overboard Recovery
- Flooding Control
- Damage stability management
- Pumping operations
- Pollution Mitigation
- SOPEP compliance
- Boom deployment
Module 5: Navigation & Technology
- ECDIS & Radar Integration
- AIS for Collision Avoidance
- Cybersecurity for Bridge Systems
- AI-Assisted Decision Support
Module 6: Crisis Leadership
- Incident Command System (ICS) for tugs
- Stress management in emergencies
- Media & stakeholder communication
- Post-incident review
Module 7: Simulation & Drills
- Tug Simulator Scenarios
- VLCC berthing in crosswinds
- Emergency breakaway
- Live Firefighting Drill
- Oil Spill Response Exercise