The British Tugowners Association (BTA) in collaboration with the UK Chamber of Shipping has launched its new Pilots’ Pocket Guide and Checklist. Harbour towage is a potentially hazardous business and should not be undertaken unless there has been a proper assessment of the risks involved. Good communication by all parties, Read more…
BTA launches new guidance on the Selection, Procurement and Use of Tow Ropes
The BTA is pleased to share the MCA’s publication of MGN 648 Code fo Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP) Self Mooring Operations. COSWP is reviewed annually and following the stakeholder engagement exercise held in July 2020, chapter 26 (section 26.6: safe mooring of domestic passenger craft and ships’ Read more…
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…
In 2018, the MCA commissioned Solis Marine Consultants and Frazer Nash to carry out a study into the pollution from shipping risks in the UK Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and emergency towage provision. That work was been carried out and finally published on 1 September 2020. The report was initiated from 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…
The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) released UR 79 on Towing Winch Emergency Release System Requirements in October 2018 which will come into force on 1 January 2020. The UR defines minimum safety standards for winch emergency release systems provided on towing winches that are used on towing ships within close Read more…