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Emergency Towing - Receiving or Giving a Tow Towing should be undertaken with preparation and care by all parties involved in the operation. If assistance is being offered by the RNLI lifeboat or Coast Guard rescue boat, always follow the instructions of the Coxswain, as to how to take the line, and secure it onboard. In all other circumstances the following should be observed.  All Crew working on deck must wear a suitable PFD/lifejacket. Consider the use of lifelines and safety harnesses if weather and sea state require them. Use the most substantial and longest line available to you, join several together using a bowline if  necessary. Use a light heaving line as the first line to be transferred between boats, the heavier towline can be passed across using this line. The boat offering the tow must take care not to foul its own propeller when transferring a tow line, or come in contact with the disabled boat. A towline can be floated downstream to a disabled craft using a fender. Both craft should use a towing bridle to secure the towline, ensure the load is spread over several cleats, to distribute the load, and allow efficient steering. Ensure an agreed means of communications are established, either by VHF or hand signals. The towing boat should slowly commence to get underway, speed should be adjusted to suit the vessel being towed and local sea conditions. In open water it is generally best to tow in line astern, however in sheltered waters and approaching channels and berths it is possibly beneficial to change to an alongside tow, to allow ease of berthing etc. The towed craft should be positioned on the towing boats quarter to allow improved handling, by means of springs and breast ropes, with excess fendering provided between the hulls. |
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