VESSEL NAME Implementation date Review date
TOWING SAFETY CHECKLIST
None of the following releases the Master of a vessel from the duty of assisting in the saving of life of those in distress. He is not bound however if such assistance put his own vessel and passengers at risk, the distress vessel is too far away, sufficient assistance is already being tended. Assistance in the saving of property is not a duty.
Before assisting with a tow the Master:
·  Will assess the likelihood of success of the operation with due regard to the relative sizes of each vessel and the operational conditions.
·  Will on no account take a manned vessel in tow without the consent of its Master or the person responsible for the safety of the towed vessel.
·  Will ensure appropriate communication between the Tug and Tow that establishes the terms and responsibilities mutually accepted by each party. (Record or have witnessed)
Guidelines:
·  The tug shall not attempt the tow of a vessel larger than itself.
·  The towline shall preferably be provided by the tow.
·  Safe emergency towing is limited to sea conditions of less than 0.5 metres, wind speed of less than 25 knots and at no time in restricted visibility. Vessel speed is limited to 1500 revolutions and at no time when the vessels motors are in stern propulsion.
·  The driver and crew will maintain a vigilant watch for floating ropes and flotsam during manoeuvres.
·  All operational crew are required to have been briefed on safety procedures induction.
The Towing operation:
Masters duties / Crew duties
·  Negotiate terms of towage.
·  Establish intership communications
·  Brief crew
·  Hoist lights/signals
·  Take up slack, slowly at 30º to line.
·  Tow slowly / ·  Perform radio check.
·  Set up bridle on after stag horn cleats
·  Secure towline with bowline, loose to rove along bridle. Fasten off at tow end.
·  Inform when ready to proceed. Stand clear.
·  Monitor condition of towline, and be ready to cast off if so instructed.
Approving officer Signed Date