Course Overview
This 5-day intensive program equips tug masters, marine pilots, and vessel operators with advanced ship-handling skills for tug operations in port, offshore, and towage scenarios. Participants will master close-quarters manoeuvring, emergency procedures, and towage techniques through simulator training and practical exercises.
Course Objectives
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Execute precision tug handling in confined waters
- Perform all towage configurations (astern, push, alongside)
- Manage complex ship-assist operations (berthing/unberthing)
- Apply COLREGs in tug operations
- Respond to emergencies (parted towline, collisions, fires)
- Calculate towage forces and stability parameters
- Command crew effectively using bridge resource management
- Operate in challenging conditions (strong currents, ice, night ops)
Who Should Attend
This course is essential for:
- Tug Masters & Captains
- Marine Pilots
- Port Operations Managers
- Offshore Towage Specialists
- Barge Superintendents
- Harbor Masters
- Maritime Training Instructors
Course Modules
Module 1: Tug Dynamics & Characteristics
- Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) vs. Voith Schneider vs. Conventional
- Bollard pull calculations
- Stability considerations during towing
- Effects of wind/current on tug performance
Module 2: Ship-Handling Fundamentals
- Pivot point theory
- Interaction effects (bank, squat, passing ships)
- Escort towing techniques
- DP-assisted operations
Module 3: Towage Operations
- Rigging configurations (bridle, pennant, winch)
- Heavy lift tow planning
- Emergency breakaway procedures
- Anchor handling basics
Module 4: Ship Assist Operations
- High-risk berthing/unberthing
- Communication protocols with assisted vessel
- Fender management
- Multi-tug coordination
Module 5: Emergency Scenarios
- Parted towline recovery
- Man overboard response
- Collision/grounding mitigation
- Firefighting while alongside
Module 6: Navigation & Regulations
- COLREGs for tug operations
- Port-specific rules and bylaws
- VTS communication procedures
- Fatigue management
Module 7: Advanced Technologies
- Simulator training debriefs
- ECDIS/Radar for tug operations
- Remote monitoring systems
- AI-assisted decision support