The British Tugowners Association (BTA), UK Maritime Pilots’ Association (UKMPA) and the Workboat Association (WA) have jointly published “Gog Ropes: Industry Advice”, a new guidance document aimed at improving safety in conventional towage operations.
This resource provides practical recommendations for the safe and effective use of gog ropes on conventional tugs, incorporating lessons learned from MAIB recommendations and industry expertise generated in response to the tragic sinking of CMS Biter.
Key Focus Areas
- Preventing Girting: Clear advice on gog rope systems to mitigate one of the leading causes of tug capsizes.
- Operational Best Practice: Principles of conventional towage, towing point management, communication protocols, and safe speed guidance.
- Stability Awareness: Practical insight into vessel stability supported by case studies and illustrations relevant to masters, pilots, and port authorities.
The guidance underscores a shared commitment to reducing risk in high-consequence towage operations. It reinforces the critical role of clear communication and effective speed management during towage, promoting safer practices and greater operational awareness across the industry.
Kerrie Forster, Chief Executive Officer, The Workboat Association said:
“The Workboat Association are proud to have collaborated with industry partners to deliver this guidance document. Detailing clear and practical recommendations that will help safeguard crews and improve future operational standards across the conventional towage sector. This guidance reflects a shared industry commitment to reducing risk, raising awareness, and ensuring that industry has access to shared best practice, irrelevant of commercial relation. Safety is at the foundation of nearly every decision made afloat, and this document plays an important part in providing the knowledge to help those decisions be made effectively”.
Comments and feedback are welcome – please contact BTA Secretary, Robert Merrylees, and WA CEO, Kerrie Forster
