Working on a tugboat involves many different processes and operations. Tugs tow (transport) vessels in the port (non-self-propelled or those that have lost the ability to sail independently. In order for a tug to be able to deliver the vessel to its destination, such a ship must have the appropriate power and have the correct (for the given case) towing device. In addition, the tug must meet special seaworthiness and other operational and technical qualities that meet the navigation conditions of towing.
Features of working on a tugboat
For towing in sailors and oceans, powerful tugs are used, which are characterized by high seaworthiness, large reserves of fuel, towing ropes, as well as various types of equipment and other necessary supplies. Such tugs must be equipped with special radio communication stations. Modern large-capacity transoceanic barges are not crewed, so radio communications are used to control them.
If non-self-propelled vessels, as well as those that have lost the ability to steer, are towed in the sea or ocean, yaw of these vessels is quite often observed. It can often even reach values up to 70? in relation to the tug itself. In order to properly direct the ship, the tugboat crew has to perform many maneuvers and act in a coordinated manner. When it comes to towing docks, it is not uncommon to see one of the tugs following the dock to prevent it from yawping. Towing large-tonnage barges is considered an equally complex process due to the difference in the masses of the vessels and the difference in sea waves. Sudden tug jerks and even breaks in the towing ropes are possible.
Another function of tugboats in the seas and oceans is to provide first aid to ships in distress. Assistance is accomplished by towing them to the nearest port.
Work performed on tugboats
Various tugs, depending on their technical equipment, power and characteristics, can perform different functions in the seas, oceans or even on rivers. To tow large barges, large transport vessels and other watercraft, tugs must be equipped and maneuverable. On any tug there is a certain list of work performed. It's roughly like this:
Entering a ship into a port, mooring it, as well as unmooring and taking it back to the open sea or ocean.
Assistance in moving vessels from one berth to another.
Assistance in turning vessels around under various conditions (high tides, low tides, eliminating compass deviations, etc.).
Rearrangement of floating docks and other vessels within the port.
Towing of sea vessels within the port, as well as their entry and exit to and from docks.
This is only part of the functions that are assigned to tugs. They all depend on the specific vessel and specific operating conditions. Due to the fact that such a large number of different works can be performed in such a cramped water area, towing ships must have great power and at the same time be small in size, maneuverable, and also have high stability.
Despite the fact that working on a tugboat is not considered so popular and prestigious, unlike tankers or gas carriers, vacancies for which you can find on various websites of crewing companies (BGI, Maritime Zone and others), it is a rather difficult and significant job. They help carry out logistics and help large unmaneuverable merchant ships dock at port for unloading and much more.
