Step 2 of 3•4 minutes read
Safety when Working with Tugs
Several accidents have occurred while making fast and letting go of the tug’s tow lines. While emergency towing equipment minimises this, there are still dangers to the crew from the lines. The common factor was that, for various reasons, the tow lines became taut, causing, for instance, lines to part and strike the ship’s crew and seamen’s hands to become trapped, all of which resulted in major injuries.
Incidents and accidents often occur because no pre-planning was carried out. Though this is an emergency tow, personnel should still be aware of the risks and hazards associated with towing operations and act accordingly. A common factor in incidents is that pre-planning may not have been carried out for various reasons; sometimes, it is because the task is considered routine or there is no time available. Often, the argument is made that hands-on operational type work cannot be planned. However, in the form of a risk assessment, it may effectively reduce the risk to personnel and damage to the environment and property. Planning for the operation and participating in an organised drill or walkthrough is an excellent way to promote safety onboard. Personnel expected to deploy and then oversee the emergency towing system should have the opportunity to test the equipment and be fully prepared to use it as required.
