Ship Handling and Manoeuvring

Harbour tugs are fascinating, adventurous and complex. A tugboat Captain must know the theory surrounding these vessels and even more, must have the ability to shape it with his own experience in the environment in which he works. Considering the numerous variables he must adapt everything to the style of manoeuvre of the pilot on duty. Not everyone can stand out in this work. The Port Tug Course deals with important topics; 'we propose the theory necessary for practice'.

A good pilot must know that naval manoeuvring is not only affected by wind and sea. The invisible forces acting below the waterline are often much more powerful. Banks effects, tidal currents, ship interactions, etc. A pilot needs to consider this, evaluate and then adapt it to suit the current situation; ensuring a successful outcome.

Harbour tugs are fascinating, adventurous and complex. A tugboat Captain must well know the theory surrounding these vessels and, even more, must have the ability to shape it with his own experience in the environment in which he works, considering the numerous variables and then adapt everything to the style of manoeuvre of the pilot on duty. Not everyone can stand out in this work. The Port Tug Course deals with important topics; as we always say: we propose the theory actually necessary for practice.

This course analyses different manoeuvres, and the information is backed up with real-life examples to ensure a greater understanding. A series by STANDBYENGINE called the ‘ABC of the Manoeuvre’; this course is the final chapter in the series; you should complete it all to gain a whole perspective.

Man Overboard is one of the various emergencies that can occur onboard ships, and like every other emergency, a man overboard requires immediate and precise intervention. To ensure that action is taken without delay in such an event, every crew member onboard is trained in man overboard procedures and drilled on their specific duties at regular intervals as required by SOLAS. The correct and timely application of the procedures to be followed will in return increase the probability of a successful recovery and decrease the probability of casualty.

An anchor is an essential tool, often underestimated. However, dropping an anchor remains the last thing to do when there are no other options available, and in its simplicity can help us save a manoeuvre. In this course, we will see how to use the anchor practically to moor, unmoor, slow down or stop the ship by going through some of the manoeuvres performed. We will also see how and when to intervene to manage an emergency.

When facing a manoeuvring test, it is not uncommon that the first topic you come across is precisely the evolutionary effects of the propellers. To better understand this aspect, it is necessary to briefly mention the different characteristics between fix-pitch and variable-pitch propellers and then - with some examples - fix this information with the reasoning developed to haul a ship to the quay. But that's not enough, because there are many other aspects to consider.

'The rudders' is a topic to be known absolutely to proceed in the study of ship handling. Over the years, while maintaining its function, this navigational aid has undergone changes and improvements that have made it more reliable and performing.

A ship-to-ship transfer occurs when cargo such as oil or gas is transferred from one ship to another. Oil tankers and gas carriers keep growing bigger and bigger, and for economic reasons or due to draft restrictions, sometimes these vessels do not go alongside in port but instead do an STS transfer. Unfortunately, this comes with the risk of causing pollution or fire accidents in the case of cargo leakage into the open sea. Extreme coordination, proper equipment, and approval for the performance of such operations are required, hence the importance of proper training.

The manoeuvre through the eyes of the harbour pilot. What does he see from the bridge, and what are his arguments. It is the first step that the trainee pilot takes during his study path.

A good captain must be able to handle his ship, using his knowledge base from previous experiences on his vessel and the different weather conditions he has sailed in throughout his career. There will always be variables that he will need to consider, evaluate and then adapt to suit the current situation to ensure a successful outcome. The weather can be adverse, but we can use it for the best manoeuvring result. Knowing the foundational basics is the best starting point.

The manoeuvre through the eyes of the harbour pilot. What does he see from the bridge, and what are his arguments. It is the first step that the trainee pilot takes during his study path.