11.8 Emergency towing – receiving or giving a tow

5. The initial approach to the person in the water will vary depending on weather/sea conditions and the type of boat. Let the weather help rather than hinder. Stop upwind and drift down.

▪Use the most substantial and

longest line available to you. Join several together using a bowline if necessary.

▪Use a light heaving line as the first

line to be transferred between boats. The heavier towline can be passed across using this line.

6. If you are concerned about drifting onto the person in the water, bring your stern into the wind. If you are not confident with your boat handling skills or if it looks likely that the boat could come down on top of the person in the water, throw them the heaving line and pull them alongside to a position that is a safe place for recovery.

▪The boat offering the tow must

take care not to foul its own propeller when transferring a tow line, or come in contact with the disabled boat.

▪A towline can be floated

downstream to a disabled craft using a fender.

▪Both craft should use a towing

bridle to secure the towline. Ensure the load is spread over several cleats or strong points on deck such as winches to distribute the load and allow for efficient steering. Please note that some cleats are not designed for towing and may present a projectile hazard when they come under load, hence the use of several cleats is recommended as shown in picture.

7. Ensure the propeller is not turning when you are alongside the person in the water.

11.8 Emergency towing – receiving or giving a tow

Towing should be undertaken with preparation and care by all parties involved in the operation. If assistance is being offered by rescue boats, always follow the instructions of the coxswain or helm as to how to take the line and secure it on board.

▪Ensure an agreed means of

communications is established, either by VHF or hand signals.

In all other circumstances, the following should be observed:

▪The towing boat should slowly

commence to get underway. Speed should be adjusted to suit the vessel being towed and local sea conditions.

▪All crew working on deck must

wear a suitable PFD/lifejacket.

▪Consider the use of lifelines and

▪In open water, it is generally best

safety harnesses if weather and sea state require them.

to tow in line astern. However in sheltered waters and approaching

effect of its own propeller, and controllability through its rudder, which is prevented if the towed boat is positioned aft of the tugs rudder position. If the towed boat is too far aft, the combination of tug and tow can become quite un-manoeuvrable with the two only wishing to alter course in the direction upon which the towed vessel is made fast.

channels and berths, it is possibly beneficial to change to an alongside tow to allow ease of berthing etc.

▪The towed craft should be

positioned slightly forward of amidships of the towing craft and adjusted by means of springs and breast ropes. This allows the towing craft better positioning through the paddlewheel