Why Have an Emergency Towing System?

Introduction and Legislation

Introduction and Legislation

In this lesson, you will learn about the international regulations requiring emergency towing systems and why such a system is important.

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Components of the System

Components of the System

In this lesson, you will learn about the main components of the emergency towing system and its strength requirements.

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Safe Use of the System

Safe Use of the System

In this lesson, you will learn about how to ensure safety during such operations.

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Step 1 of 33 minutes read

Why Have an Emergency Towing System?

Why Have an Emergency Towing System.mp3

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The Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention describes, among other things, the constructional features of a vessel that are intended to enhance the safety of mariners and standards of equipment carried for the same purpose. The compliance of any vessel with these requirements is certificated by the Cargo Ship Safety Construction and Cargo Ship Safety Equipment certificates. In addition, tankers must be constructed and equipped under the relevant Oil Tanker Supplement, which lists the additional constructional features and equipment required to enable a tanker to comply with the convention.

Photo: Jörgen Språng

Emergency Towing Systems complement tankers' "emergency preparedness" by allowing them to rapidly deploy a towing line for pick-up by another vessel without approaching too close. This line can also be deployed before abandoning the ship so the tanker may be rescued even without the crew onboard. As such, it is of utmost importance for all crew members to be familiar with the emergency towing system and use instructions to ensure preparedness in the case of an emergency. This is vital for stricken tankers for a few reasons:

Fire Danger
The first is the fire danger present on tankers. Tankers present a high danger to other vessels when on fire, especially rescue vessels if they need to approach very close to offer assistance. The use of an emergency towing system provides a factor of safety for those rescuing vessels by increasing the physical distance between the tanker and the rescue ship.
Pollution Danger
The second is the potential pollution danger from a stricken tanker left adrift. Tankers are more of a risk to the environment when carrying oil or chemical products, should they ground after abandonment. The deployment of the emergency towing system allows for a rescuing vessel to have a greater chance of attaching a tow line to the vessel, even in heavy weather, without increasing the risk to the ship's crew or even in their absence after abandoning.