The British Tugowners Association (BTA) is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural guide on the Use of Tugs in Firefighting at its Annual Conference in Belfast on 7 May 2025. This comprehensive new guide marks a significant contribution to maritime safety and emergency preparedness, offering industry-standard guidance for Read more…
Following the annual BTA Conference, Edwin Lampert from Riviera Maritime wrote an article on the presentation by Belfast Harbour Commissioners CEO, Joe O’Neil. The BTA extends its gratitude to the speakers and Edwin for their expertise and professionalism, which contributed to the success of the conference Belfast Harbour is resurrecting its shipbuilding heritage Read more…
The British Tugowners Association (BTA) issue to industry the revised UK Standard Conditions for Towage and Other Services (2024). Industry is invited to note and make use of the revised Conditions (2024). A foreword by the Review Panel Chair – Nick Dorman is provided below and included within the full Read more…
The British Tugowners Association (BTA) Annual General Meeting & Conference took place at the Clayton Hotel, Glasgow, on 17 May. The event brought together over 70 industry leaders, experts, and regulators to discuss pressing matters and topics of interest in the industry. The preceding day saw members undertake friendly competition Read more…
The British Tugowners Association are pleased to release to industry is latest guidance release, Recovery of Persons in Water (PIW) Guide to Good Practice for Small Vessels. The Guide to Good Practice is available as a free pdf for use across the industry. The BTA Chairman, Scott Baker from Svitzer, when Read more…
Attendees are able to review those presentations made available from the Annaul Conference held on 11 May at Old Thorns, Liphook. Please contact BTA Secretary, Robert Merrylees, rmerrylees@ukchamberofshipping.com to avail. With warm thanks to the Sponsors: Sanmar Shipyards (Gold), Rolls Royce Solutions (Silver), and Boluda Towage (Golf) Photos and videos Read more…
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…