The European Tugowners Association in collaboration with the European Maritime Pilots Association launched a joint animation detailing the importance of efficient and safe harbour towage operations for all port users. Proper exchange of information between the captain of the assisted vessel, the pilot and the tug master(s) is essential before Read more…
Published in 2016 by the British Tugowners Association in conjunction with the UK Maritime Pilots’ Association, the Pilots’ Pocket Guide & Checklist has sold almost 2,000 copies globally in promoting and improving safety in harbour towage. Based on industry best practice, it includes checklists and guidance covering Pilot/Master exchange of Read more…
The UK maritime industry is taking a leading stand in the fight against the illegal use of Dangerously Weighted Heaving Lines (“DWHLs”) in UK ports and harbours, an issue spanning the shipping and ports sectors. To coincide with the Department for Transport’s important Maritime Safety Week 2019, #maritimesafetyweek, the British Read more…
Apprenticeship development gathers pace as the Chamber greatly welcomes the Institute for Apprenticeships (IFA) recent announcement that it has approved the Marine Technical Superintendent Apprenticeship for delivery. The Level 7 Apprenticeship (Postgraduate level) which includes a BEng degree was developed by an employer led trailblazer group comprised of various UK Read more…
The UK Chamber of Shipping has launched its new Single-Use Plastic Charter. The Chamber and its members have a goal of ZERO pollution from ships to sea from plastic and the new Charter, which has 29 industry signatories, aims to encourage companies to ban the use of non-essential single-use plastics Read more…
The British Tugowners Association shall hold its Annual Safety Seminar via video-conferencing on Wednesday 11 November running from 1000 – 1300. The overarching theme will be Safe Access & Self Mooring, recognising the challenges faced by stakeholders and what the industry can collaboratively do to improve safety. This seminar will examine Read more…
The BTA has reached agreement with the MCA regarding requirements for medical training certification on board tugs. Various BTA members have queried and raised concern of the appropriateness that in the small vessel sector completion of Medical Care On Board is required for Masters following MGN 495, yet this leads Read more…
The British Tugowners Association (BTA) held it’s annual full day safety seminar on Wednesday 6 November 2019, returning to the Northern Lighthouse Board in Edinburgh where it was last held in 2017. The BTA thanks all the speakers for their participation and support and attendees for their enthusiasm. The outline Read more…
The MCA Publication of MGN 609 provides guidance for the exemption from the carriage of a rescue boat for Class IX tugs under 500gt. The MGN may be found via: www.gov.uk/government/publications/mgn-609-m-class-ix-tugs-under-500gt-guidance-for-exemption-from-the-carriage-of-a-rescue-boat The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) have concluded and responded to the public consultation on guidance for exemption from the carriage Read more…