SABOT – TEACHING NOTES
UNIT 2 (TOWING & ALONGSIDE TOWING)
Use magnetic board and magnet models for classroom demonstrations (Unit #1 must be done first)
TERMINAL PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE for STERN TOW:
2.1 While underway on an Auxiliary facility (in seas under 4 feet) during day and/or night conditions, given a towing scenario, without prompting or the use of references,
DEMONSTRATE, as a crew, the ability to take a disabled vessel in stern tow in accordance with the Boat Crew Seamanship Manual, COMDTINST M16114.5 (series), Auxiliary Boat Crew Qualification Guides COMDTINST M16794.52A, Volume I,(Crew), (Section G) and COMDTINST M16794.53A, Volume II (Coxswain), (Section H) and the SABOT Job Aid.
Tow rig/towing system is defined as the towline, towing pendant, double leg towing bridle, or kicker skiff hook assembly. Opening and closing maneuvers should be conducted with caution and within the limitations of the vessels propulsion system. Approaches may be modified to limit maneuvering corrections based on evaluated risks and environmental conditions.
ENABLING OBJECTIVES:
2.1.1
CONDUCT a towing brief including stating the actions the crew will take to mitigate risks in the following areas:
* Communications.
* Material condition of the towed vessel.
* Physical condition and safety of personnel on board.
* Towing operations of own vessel.
* Prevailing weather conditions.
2.1.2
DETERMINE towing system to be used, based on the distressed vessel’s type and assessed risks.
2..1.3
DEMONSTRATE assignment of crew responsibilities and inspection of the towing rig.
2.1.4
DEMONSTRATE distressed vessel’s relative set and drift.
2.1.5
DEMONSTRATE approaching distressed vessel with bow into OR stern to the prevailing/predominant force (Crossing the "T").
2.1.6
DEMONSTRATE station keeping within the maneuvering zone.
2.1.7
DEMONSTRATE maintaining optimum position and applying appropriate correcting maneuvers within the maneuvering zone.
2.1.8
DEMONSTRATE crew team work to pass heaving line(s) or tow rig to the distressed vessel while in optimum position.
2.1.9
DEMONSTRATE directing a crewmember to take a working turn on the tow bitt/cleat and applying proper helm and throttle controls to transition to stern tow and pay out towline.
2.1.10
DEMONSTRATE setting initial course and speed and crew teamwork to pay out towline to place the towed vessel in step.
2.1.11
DEMONSTRATE crew teamwork to secure the towline to the tow bitt/cleat, and to establish a tow watch.
2.1.12
DEMONSTRATE energizing the navigation lights, in accordance with the navigational rules (if applicable or so equipped).
2.1.13
STATE the light configuration for a towing vessel under 50 meters in length towing astern less than 200 meters, underway and making way.
2.1.14
DEMONSTRATE energizing the sound signals, in accordance with the navigational rules (if applicable).
2.1.15
STATE the sound signals given for the towing vessel and the towed vessel (if required).
2.1.16
DEMONSTRATE maintaining a safe towing speed.
2.1.17
DEMONSTRATE maintaining positive control of the tow and towline, by reducing speed incrementally until all headway from the disabled vessel is removed...
2.1.18
DEMONSTRATE correcting maneuvers to keep towline away from the screws while backing to shorten tow to recover towline, place disabled vessel in short tow or alongside tow.
TERMINAL PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES for an
ALONGSIDE TOW:
2.2 While underway on an Auxiliary facility (in seas less than 1 foot) in day and/or
night conditions, given a towing scenario, without prompting or the use of
references,
DEMONSTRATE, as a crew, the ability to take a disabled vessel in
alongside tow
from a stern tow and moor it to a pier or dock in accordance with
the Boat Crew Seamanship Manual, COMSTINST M16114.5 (series), Auxiliary
Boat Crew Qualification Guides, COMDTINST M16794.52A , Volume I (Section
G and COMDTINST M16794.53A, Volume II (Section H) and the SABOT Job
Aid.
Tow rig/towing system is defined as towline, towing pendant, double leg towing
bridle, or kicker skiff hook assembly. Opening and closing maneuvers should be
conducted with caution and within the limitations of the vessels propulsion
system. Approaches may be modified to limit maneuvering corrections based on
evaluated risks and environmental conditions.
Boat crews may employ the 1-2-GO nor the 1-4-2-GO or the 1-4-2-3-GO
alongside tow method. The towline can be disconnected from the distressed
vessel once the coxswain maneuvers and maintains station in the optimum
position; or, the towline may remain connected to the disabled vessel and used as
line one for the alongside tow. Both methods should be mastered.
ENABLING OBJECTIVES:
2.2.1
CONDUCT a tow brief, including stating the actions the crew will take to mitigate risks in the following areas:
* Transition to alongside tow.
* Alongside tow method to be utilized.
* Safety of personnel onboard both vessels.
2.2.2
DETERMINE the alongside tow method to be used, based on disabled vessel’s type and assessed risks:
* Using the towline as the number one line.
* Making a free approach.
2.2.3
DEMONSTRATE assignment of crew responsibilities and inspecting alongside lines, proper fender positioning at anticipated contact points.
2.2.4
DEMONSTRATE maintaining positive control of the tow and towline, by reducing speed incrementally until all headway from the disabled vessel is removed.
2.2.5
COORDINATE to break the tow bitt/cleat and haul in the slack.
2.2.6
DEMONSTRATE correcting maneuvers while backing to keep the towline away from the screws.
2.2.7
DEMONSTRATE maintaining a maneuvering zone while backing down into the optimum position.
2.2.8
COMMUNICATE line command tasking to the crew.
2.2.9
DEMONSTRATE contacting both vessels at the fender contact points.
2.2.10 Coxswain
DEMONSTRATES breaking down to position stern aft of disabled vessel (approximately ¼ length of towing vessel).
2.2.11 Coxswain
DIRECTS the crew with line commands.
2.2.12
DEMONSTRATE proper placement and tension adjustment of alongside lines.
2..2.13
DEMONSTRATE energizing navigation lights, in accordance with navigational rules (if applicable).
2.2.14
STATE the light configuration for a vessel under 50 meters towing alongside in inland and international waters.
2.2.15
DEMONSTRATE energizing the sound signals, in accordance with the navigational rules (if applicable).
2.2.16
STATE the sound signals given for a vessel under 50 meters, towing alongside.
2.2.17
DEMONSTRATE maintaining safe towing speed while maneuvering to a desired course.
2.2.18
DEMONSTRATE checking status of the tow.
2.2.19
DEMONSTRATE mooring the disabled vessel to a pier or dock using appropriate crew team work and fender placement.
1. Do a complete "RISK ASSESSMENT" before undertaking any towing evolution.
Communicate with the towed vessel’s crew who may have important information
necessary to complete a successful mission.
DOT LET A PRECEIVED NEED TO ENGAGE IN A TOWING MISSION
OVERRIDE A COMPLETE, HONEST RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS THAT
EMPHASIZES PERSONAL SAFETY.
The dynamics of a towing situation continuously change from the time pre-towing
preparations begin until mooring at the conclusion of the mission.
Realistic towing training based on standardized techniques, critical analysis, and
mission debrief will contribute to risk management and the development of a towing risk management plan.
2. FORCES IN TOWING:
Static Forces:
a. Inertia: Is the tendency for a vessel at rest to stay at rest. The
more the mass a vessel has (the greater its displacement), the more
inertia it has and the harder it is to get it moving.
b. Moment of Inertia: The moment of inertia occurs when a towed
vessel resists effort to turn about a vertical axis to change heading.
The larger the vessel, the more resistance there will be in turning
the vessel. Unless necessary in a case of immediate danger,
DO
NOT
attempt to tow a distressed vessel ahead and change its
heading at the same time! Overcome the effects of static forces by
starting a tow slowly, both on the initial heading or when changing
the towed vessel’s heading. Use extreme caution when towing a
vessel of equal or greater mass than the assisting vessel. In such
situations, the assisting vessel strains the capacity and capability of
its equipment, requiring slow and gradual changes.
c. Apply towing forces on the initial heading to gradually overcome
the towed vessel’s inertia.
d. Apply the towing force perpendicular to the vessel’s heading.
Once the towed vessel starts to turn, resistance will develop.
Apply turning force slowly and gradually.
Dynamic Forces:
a. Dynamic forces occur once the towed vessel is moving. They are
based on the towed vessel’s characteristics (shape, displacement,
arrangement, and rigging), the motion caused by the towing vessel,
and the effects of waves and wind.
b. Momentum: Once a vessel moves in a straight line, it wants to
keep moving in a straight line.
c. Angular Momentum: Once the vessel’s heading begins to change,
it wants to keep changing in that same direction.
d. Frictional Resistance: As a vessel moves, the layer of water in
immediate contact with the hull moves too. This due to friction
between water molecules, the layers of water close to the hull try
to drag along. Frictional resistance also varies with hull shape.
Greater underwater (wetted) surface area causes greater frictional
resistance.
Frictional resistance will constantly affect the tow, normally
keeping some steady tension in the towing rig. Since the shape
and wetted surface area of the towed vessel will not change,
frictional resistance is managed with towing speed. Higher towing
speed causes higher frictional resistance and more strain on the
towing rig.
e. Form Drag: The shape and size of the towed vessel’s hull can
either help or hinder efforts to move in a straight line, when
changing heading, any motion changes in response to waves due
to buoyancy. A deep draft, full hulled vessel takes more effort
than one with a fine, shallow hull. T towed vessel may be able to
help offset form drag by using its rudder.
f. Wave Making Resistance: A surface wave forms at the bow while
the hull moves through the water. The size of the bow wave
increases as speed increases, and this bow wave generates
resistance to movement of the boat..
It is not always safe to tow a planning hull type of vessel above
planning speed. Going from displacement speed to planning
speed, or back, can decrease the towed vessel’s stability and cause
it to capsize. Also, wave drag (even one large wake) could slow
the hull down to displacement speed and cause a severe shock load
to the towing gear as the towed vessel tries to get back on plane.
Shock load or shock loading is the rapid, extreme increase in
tension on the towline, which transfers through the tow rig and
fittings to both vessels.
g. Wave Drag: Depends on the normal wetted surface area of the hull
and the amount of freeboard exposed to wave action.
1. In large seas be aware that the combination of wave drag
and form drag can cause the towed vessel to stop and
transfer a large strain to the tow rig damaging vessel
fittings, part the towline, and endanger both vessels.
2. In head seas be aware that the towing vessel can only
control the effect of wave drag by adjusting the speed and
angle that the towed vessel encounters the waves. Limiting
vessel speed and towing at an angle to the seas can prevent
seas from breaking over the bow of the towed vessel.
3. In following seas, be aware that wave drag can cause the
towed vessel to speed up as the crest approaches. Consider
increasing tow speed to keep tension in the towing rig when
this happens, and then reducing speed as the crest passes.
h. Spray drag also provides resistance to the tow increasing shock
load.
i. Wind Drag: can cause shock loading and have a bad effect on the
towed vessel’s motions and stability.
j. Buoyancy Response and Gravity Effects: Though a distressed
vessel may seem stable and sound at rest, its response in tow could
be a capsize! A towed vessel’s bow may react to an incoming
wave by pitching skyward, or by sub-marining. Buoyancy
response to following seas could cause the towed vessel to yaw
excessively or gravity may cause it to gain speed and surf down the
face of a wave. Once making way, a vessel’s buoyancy response
or the effect of gravity in a seaway may cause severe shock-
loading.
Combination of Forces and Shock-Loading:
A boat crew rarely deals with only one force acting on the tow. Shock-
loading may cause severe damage to both vessels and overload a tow rig
to the point of towline or bridle failure. Shock-loading could also cause
momentary loss of directional control by either vessel and could capsize
small vessels.
Shock-Loading Prevention or Counteraction:
a. Reduce towing speed.
b. Get the vessels in step. When operating near bars and inlets,
getting the vessels in step may be impractical due to rapidly
changing water depth and bottom contours.
c. Lengthen the towline. The more line out, the greater the catenary.
` When tension increases, energy from shock loading is spent on
flattening out the catenary before its load is transferred through the
rest of the rig and fittings.
d. Set a course to lessen the effect of the seas.
e. Deploy a drogue from the towed vessel.
f. Constantly adjust towing vessel speed to match that of the towed
vessel.
Safety demands emphasis on preventing shock-load and reducing its
effects. Shock-loading presents a definite possibility of vessel fitting or
tow rig failure. One of the more feared possibilities is tow-line snap-back.
Think of this as a greatly magnified rubber-band until it breaks.
Remember some nylon cordage can stretch up to an additional 40% of its
length before parting.
Shock-load can capsize or swamp the towed vessel. The additional towing
force from shock-loaded towline could cause a smaller vessel to climb its
bow wave and become unstable or it could pull the bow through a cresting
wave.
3. TOWING EQUIPMENT:
CAUTION: Do not tow beyond the vessel’s limits by simply increasing towline
size. If the towline’s breaking strength exceeds the limits designed into the
vessel’s fittings and structure, damage and structural failure may result.
a. Towline: Regularly inspect your towline for:
cuts
chaffing
flattening
fusing (from overheating from stretching)
snags (heavy use will compact and harden a towline)
If any of the above, do not use as a towline.
b. Pendants: Use to reduce wear on a towline particularly at eye splices.
c. Bridles: Regularly inspect towing bridles the same as for towlines above.
* Use a "Y" bridle when both legs can be rigged to exert an
equal pull on the hull of a distressed vessel.
* Use a long bridle when the best attachment points for the
towed vessel are well aft to either side of the deck.
* Keep the legs of the bridle long enough so that the angle of
the legs stay less than 30 degrees.
* The legs must be long enough to reduce towed vessel yaw.
* Protect bridles with chaffing gear when necessary.
A bridle is also used by towing vessels without centerline
towing capability or with transom obstructions. Again,
bridle length must be equal to share the strain and the angle
should be under 30 degrees.
d. Heaving lines: Should be light and 75 to 100 feet in length. Light cotton clothes line works very well. When using, wet it first. The end should be weighted for throwing purposes but not so hard as to cause damage or injury. It is a good idea to have more than one heaving line so that if the first attempt misses, the second may be deployed while the first is retrieved, etc. Attach a small snap on the standing end of the heaving line for quick attachment to the tow rig.
e. Drogues: used as a drag behind a vessel to act similar to a parachute to slow it down and provide stability. May also be use while drifting to keep the bow into the seas.
When used the large opening should be toward the vessel from which it is deployed wit hat least 200 feet of line. A second light line could be used attached to the smaller opening and used for retrieval (Not a required carry item on Auxiliary Facilities.)
f. Alongside Tow Lines: Should be sets of 4 and of sets of different sizes and long enough to go approximately the length of the tow vessel. Not a bad idea to color coded (Use different colored electrical marking tape) for reference while doing a hook-up.
g. Dock Lines: Have sufficient dock lines to moor your vessel while you have another vessel in an along-side tow.
h. Fenders: Have sufficient fenders to properly protect both vessels while in an along-sided tow. Don’t forget to have enough fenders for use at the dock when you have a vessel in an along-side tow.
i. Skiff Hook: A snap hook that attaches to the end of a pole (boat hook) for attaching to the towing eye of small boats that
don’t have any bow cleats or other attachment points. The towing eye is one of the strongest attachment points on a boat but is extremely hard to attach and release.
4. TOWING PROCEDURES
Throughout the entire towing evolution, open communication among the
coxswain and crew is absolutely necessary for safety.
a. Notification: Get as much information as possible/needed before getting
underway. Write all information down. Develop a full understanding of
the situation. Make a conscious decision to "Accept" or ":Not Accept" the mission.
b. Brief the crew
c. Evaluate the conditions with the crew.
d. Navigate to the scene safely. Do not let a sense of urgency affect
judgment.
Operate at a safe speed at all times
Keep a constant awareness of position and area hazards
Stay aware of the distressed vessel’s position and condition
e. Communications with the Distressed Vessel:
Keep in radio contact on a regular basis and provide your ETA
Advise POBs on distressed vessel to put on PFDs.
DO NOT
ALLOW BA DISTRERSSED VESSEL TO BECOME
ENDANGERED WHILE WAITING FOR PEOPLE TO DON
PFDs. TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO REMOVE THE
PEOPLE OR BOAT FROM DANGER.
Get details of distressed vessel’s deck layout
Ask for any information the D/A feels is important for you to know
Determine if anything has changed
Ascertain any sense of heightened urgency
Inform the D/A that once on scene you will observe conditions and
make final preparations before setting up the tow.
f. Perform On-Scene Assessment:
Evaluate the location and any abnormal conditions of deck fittings
Confirm the number of POBs
Note any unusual conditions that would affect towing, i.e., loose
gear, rigging, debris in the water, etc.
Decide if you should place crew on D/A or remove any crew from the D/A
Decide whether to tow or not
Brief both crews of intentions
g. Determine the approach:
Usually done by crossing the "T" with either your bow or stern
into the seas. Most Auxiliary facilities (especially single screw,
IN, I/O, or O/B) perform much better stern into the seas.
(Members should experiment in moderate seas to determine what
works best for them)
(Note: It is much easier for the crew of the Auxiliary vessel to
pitch fore and aft than to rock side to side.)
Determine the method of passing the tow rig
Brief the crews of both vessels
h. Determine the "Danger Zone"
i. Determine the Maneuvering Zone
j. Determine the Optimum Position
5. TOWING ASTERN:
a. Maneuver the towing vessel so the crew can maximize use of the best
deck work area on the vessel for passing and working the tow rig. This
will provide the opportunity for the most vessel control and visibility for
the coxswain, while station keeping a safe distance from the D/A, and providing a safe "Escape Route" in case of an emergency.
b. In rough seas (
if it works in rough seas it will work in any seas) make
your approach bow into or stern into the prevailing forces.
(NOTE: IF
THE SEAS ARE TO HEAVY AND YOU ARE TAKING ON TOO
MUCH SEA WATER OVER YOUR STERN, YOU ARE IN SEAS
TOO ROUGH FOR YOUR VESSEL)
c. Make the approach at the slowest speed possible while maintaining
steerage. Stop in optimum position and pass the towing rig with a heaving
line. (The coxswain
MUST let the crew know before making correcting
maneuvers so that they can tend lines and ready themselves..
d. Use correcting maneuvers (opening and closing) before a problem
develops. (Note: Actual maneuvering techniques will vary from vessel to
vessel and are to be mastered by practice and experience. Actual station
keeping techniques also vary as the specific wind and sea conditions affect
the specific distressed vessel.
(NOTE: Maneuver as required but it is preferable not to make opening
and closing maneuvers when lines are over (except the heaving line).
Avoid making correcting maneuvers on the face of a wave.
(NOTE: a boat crew’s teamwork, communications, and experience
are keys to a safe, successful approach)
e. Passing the tow rig: In calm conditions this may very often be done by
simply handing over the tow rig or by using a boat hook. Practice passing
the heaving line for moderate or heavy seas (Heavy for the facility).
* Wet the heaving line before using to make it more flexible and to
minimize the risk of tangling.
* Attach heaving line to tow rig.
* Take two-thirds of the heaving line coil into the casting hand
leaving the remainder in the other.
* Check that the area is clear of obstructions and people.
* Advise the coxswain when ready before throwing (Coxswain, I
have a shot)
* Coxswain will direct/give the command to cast.
* Call out to the D/A "HEADS UP)
* Cast so the heaving line falls across the D/A’s deck.
* Tell the coxswain when casting.
* If not successful, retrieve and prepare to throw second line while
preparing to throw the second line. Change heaving line
attachment onto tow rig.
* Keep coxswain advised on tow rig transfer:
Tow rig away
Tow rig in the water
6. CONNECTING THE TOW RIG:
Connect to fittings or to "Towing Eye"
(CAUTION: If connecting to Trailer Eye, extreme caution must be exercised
to bring the two vessels with reach of the skiff hook pole. Coxswain may
decide to back down for the connection or come alongside. Connection should be made and the vessels separated quickly to minimize the danger.)
Connect to Deck Fittings: (Through deck fittings should be checked during pre-
tow procedures, (
Do not hesitate to stop the connection if something is wrong.)
If necessary, recover the rig, and transfer a crewmember to the D/A to physically
inspect and re-evaluate.
a. Keep lines in the water so as not to pull boat together.
b. Watch that the crew of the D/A follow your directions.
* Towline clear of any gear on deck (anchor, etc.)
Chaffing
Under railing
Not pulling against railing stanchion.
c. Have crew of D/A return to cockpit area and be seated.
d. Slowly open distance between boats and manually adjust length of
towline.
(Watch to keep lines out of props!)
e. Have your crew take a working turn on bitt/cleat.
(Do not do while there
is a strain on the tow-line.)
f. After length of towline is set (Maintain a catenary in tow rig) make up line
on bitt/cleat.
(Do not do with a strain on the tow-line.)
g. Start tow slowly in the heading of D/A if possible.
h. Set "Tow Watch" and maintain communications with the D/A.. (
You may need to correct helm on D/a or use a drogue)
i. Slowly bring tow onto desired course.
j.. Watch for "YAWING", or any problems with the tow.
7. ASTERN TOWING: :
a. Maintain catenary while towing.
b. Tow at a safe speed
b. If yawing:
* Straighten helm on D/A
* If O/B or I/O try raising or lowering lower unit on D/A
* Change scope of tow-line
* Adjust trim on D/A (move passengers)
* Decrease speed
* Change angle into waves and or wind
* Deploy a drogue from the D/A
(NEVER TOW AT A SPEED FASTER THAN THE HULL DESIGN
SPEED)
See table 17-15 in Boat Crew Seamanship Manual for maximum tow speeds
based on D/A length.
8. SHORTENING THE TOW:
a. Select safe area.
b. Brief both crews
c. Determine new tow-line length
d. Reduce speed and take off way.
e. Break tow-line from bitt/cleat.
f. Coxswain backs as necessary as crew keeps line out of screws.
g When desired length is achieved make-up tow-line on bitt/cleat
h. Resume tow in direction of D/A heading
8. ALONGSIDE TOW:
Preparation (Always done in calm protected waters):
a. Determine side of tow considering:
* Side of dockage. (Consider force of wind and current on mooring)
* Visibility
* Fittings on each vessel
* Type of approach: Free approach or use of tow-line as #1 line.
* Consider which vessel is larger and thus should be against the dock
b. Prepare alongside tow-lines and fenders ((You may want to color code
lines with colored electrical marking tape) Use largest available fenders.
c. Placement of fenders to protect both vessels from each other.
d. Prepare dock lines and fenders for both vessels.
e. Note direction of wind and current and consider effect on mooring.
f. Brief crews
(NOTE: Keep hands and limbs out from between vessels)
(NOTE: YOU MAY HAVE TO PLACE A CREWMEMBER
FORWARD AS A LOOKOUT TO CALL OUT DISTANCE TO THE
DOCK AND OTHER OBJECTS)
Connection:
a
. Always connect the #1 line first.
b. Connect the #2 line next so that you can start if necessary.
c. Connect the #3 and #4 lines last. (NOTE: in many cases you can use one
line between the towing boats stern cleat on the side of the D/A connected
to the D/A’s far stern cleat. This will then act as a combination #3 and #4
line)
d. While going forward tighten up the #3 and #4 lines. Then go in reverse and tighten the #1 and #2 lines.
Mooring:
a. It is easier to maneuver into the prevailing forces. Moor on the protected
(leeward) side of a dock if possible.)
a. Use only enough speed for steerage.
b. Use a lookout to call out range and bearing to dock and objects
c. It is easier to turn toward the towed boat in forward.
d. To make a sharp turn away from the towed boat consider going into
reverse.
e. Place the larger of the two vessels against the dock if possible.
f. Secure D/A to dock.
g. Gather any required information.
h. Break tow.
9. TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
a. Have all POBs on D/A don PFDs. Furnish if they don’t have enough.
b. Remove all POBs from a D/A when necessary, safe, or practical.
c. Cast heaving lines well over a boat’s center mass so they drop over the
deck.
d. Establish and maintain clear communications with the D/A. Provide a
portable and/or a manual back-up system. Maintain a frequent
communications schedule with the D/A.
e. Have watch monitor condition of tow rig.
f. Monitor level of water on-board D/A
g. Monitor condition of POBs on D/A
h. Keep all clear of the tow rig (Danger of snap-back)
i. Keep tow rig attachment points as low and close to the centerline as
possible.
j. Do not attach the tow rig to lifeline, stanchions, grab rails, or ladders.
k. Do not connect the tow rig to cleats or bitts that are attached to the D/A’s
deck with only screws.
l. Avoid using lines provided by the D/A.
m. Avoid using knots to join tow-lines.
n. Tend a tow-line by hand until secured to a D/A. Then secure it to a
cleat/bitt at the coxswain’s command. Use two crew if possible to tend the tow-line and work the bitt/cleat.
o. Do not secure the towline to a bitt/cleat with half hitches. They cause
jamming and fusing. Only figure-eight the tow-line W/O use of weather
hitches (Half-Hitches) A couple of figure eights will hold indefinitely!
p. Crew should keep clear of tow-lines. Don’t cross arms but changes hands.
q.
Keep the tow-line clear of propellers, shafts and rudders.
r. Use chaffing gear to minimize wear to tow rig.
s. Avoid towing boats that exceed weight and length limits established by
the CG. Rule of thumb: Avoid towing vessels over 50% longer than the
tow boat.
t. Tow at a safe speed for conditions. Prevent shock-loading.
u. Avoid sudden maneuvers and sharp turns.
v. Use a drogue to reduce yawing as necessary.
w. Have someone man the helm of the D/A. Direct them to steer directly at
the stern of the tow boat.
x. Keep a towed boat in trim. Consider the following for trim:
* Condition of the D/A (Structural damage, taking on water, etc.)
* Structural design of the D/A (low transom, etc.)
* cargo
* Number and location of POBs.
WARNING: OVERLOAD ASTERN, OR ALONG EITHER SIDE
OF A VESSEL’S CENTERLINE, MAY SWAMP OR CAPSIZE A
VESSEL IN TOW.
y. Maintain a diligent towing watch and frequently account for all POBs.
(NOTE: A towing watch has a critical responsibility. In addition to the
crew member assigned, it is a collateral duty for all other members of the
crew.
z. Ensure that the breaking strength of the bridles in a tow rig are equal to or
greater than the breaking strength of the tow-line or appropriately matched
to the requirements of the tow and prevailing conditions.
aa. If possible, load GPS positions and do all chart work at the dock. It is
very difficult to do all this while underway and being tossed about.
ab. If the possibility exists, that a drogue or pump will be required while under
tow, pass the equipment before hooking up the tow rig.
ac. After a tow rig is set up, but before it is connected to a tow, the coxswain
should inspect the entire tow rig and hook-up points.
ad. When approaching a distressed boat, the coxswain should establish an
imaginary danger zone around the craft based on prevailing conditions.
10. SINKING TOWS:
When it becomes evident that a tow is about to sink, very quickly assess the
situation. Quick decisive action t o minimize loss of life is the first priority. Once
abandon ship procedures are initiated, radio communications will likely be lost.
The primary action is to rescue the people, either from the deck of the towed
vessel or from the water.
A sinking tow can pull the stern of the towing vessel under unless all crew
members pay close attention to the immediate situation. There will probably not
be enough time to disconnect the towline from the towed vessel once it begins to
sink.
If a tow begins to sink, stop all towing vessel headway. The force exerted
through the tow-line increases the danger of the towed vessel yawing and
capsizing.
When it becomes obvious that the sinking cannot be avoided, e.g., the tow has
rolled on one side and is not righting itself or the tow’s decks are submerging, cut
the tow-line or slip the tow-line by braking the bitt/cleat.
(WARNING: DO
NOT ATTEMPT BREAKING THE BITT/CLEAT IF THERE IS ANY
STRAIN ON THE TOW-LINE. INSTEAD, CUT THE TOW-LINE USING
A KNIFE. CUT THE TOW-LINE DIRECTLY BEHIND THE
BITT/CLEAT)
Note the vessel’s position by GPS and/or a radar fix and request assistance. Also,
mark the wreck with an anchored float.
Once free of the tow rescue any people
that were on board.
(CAUTION: THE TOWING VESSEL COULD BECOME FOULED IN
RIGGING OR DEBRIS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RESCUE
SURVIVORS.)
3. TOWING (Stern) EXERCISE #3
See JOB AID, Section H
REQUIREMENTS:
a. Two facilities, one to be disabled and one as the
Response unit.
b. D/A vessel drifting and anchored in moderate to light
seas.
c. Brief both crews on intended action.
d. Establish communications between vessels for tow.
e. Response unit makes approach by crossing the "T" with respect to the predominate conditions (usually wind) and passes the tow rig to the D/A using a heaving line from the optimal position or slightly above if the wind is strong. Use the crossing the "T" approach.
f. Crew on the Response unit tends the lines away from the screws as the connection is made on the D/A.
g. After the crew on the D/A returns safely to the cockpit
the crew of the Response unit adjust the length of the
towline and then securing it to a cleat or bit. (If
disabled vessel is anchored, raise the anchor before
commencing the tow.)
h. Response vessel coxswains assigns tow watch duties to a crewmember.
4. TOWING (STERN using a Skiff Hook) EXERCISE #4
See JOB AID, Section H
REQUIREMENTS:
a. Two facilities, one to be disabled and one as the
Response unit. (NOTE: D/A must be equipped with a
trailer eye bolt.
b. D/A drifting or anchored on open waters in moderate to light seas.
c. Brief both crews on intended action.
d. Establish communications between vessels for tow.
e. Response unit does a back-down approach to attach a skiff hook.
f. After skiff hook is attached the Response Unit moves forward to adjust length of the towline and then secures towline to a cleat or bit. (If disabled vessel is anchored, raise the anchor before commencing the tow.)
g. Response vessel coxswains assigns tow watch duties to a crewmember.
5. ALONGSIDE TOW EXERCISE #5
(Using tow line as #1 line)
See JOB AID, Section H
REQUIREMENTS:
a. 2 Facilities, 1 to be disabled and 1 for the Response
Unit
b. D/A vessel in calm and protected waters in a stern tow.
c. Stop stern tow and brief crews on intended actions.
d. Fender both vessels, break out boat hook and side tow lines before starting evolution.
e. Back down on tow while tending line away from the screws. Transfer the towline to the bow of the Response Unit.
f. Position the D/A in the proper position before attaching the towline the #1 line.
g. Connect the #2 line (Alongside tow can start if required)
h. Connect #3 and #4 lines.
i. Caution crews to keep hands out from between vessels.
j. Tighten all line by going into forward and reverse.
k. Moor D/A vessel to a dock or pier.
6. ALONGSIDE TOW EXERCISE #6
(Using free approach)
See JOB AID, Section H
REQUIREMENTS:
a. 2 Facilities, 1 to be disabled and 1 for the Response Unit
(Same as EXERCISE #4 except tow is broken and a free approach is made to connect the alongside tow.)
