Safety in towing and anchor handling

The resulting final Royal Commission report makes a number of recommendations with the objective to prevent similar accidents in the future and requirements need to be made in the future for the preparation of stability calculations for anchor handling.

The reduction in a tug’s range of stability caused by the increase in the stern trim is by far the most significant. Some officers do not realize how close they may be to capsizing when they apply large amounts of thrust to manoeuvre their tug. Tugs are very powerful vessels and can be thrown by having their strength used against them.

SafeTOW is Hydrographic and Marine Consultants BV’s (HMC) new safety system which facilitates safe anchor handling and towing operations and is intended for all parties involved in these operations with a responsibility for safety aspects in connection with anchor handling and towing.

SafeTOW presents the maximum towline forces in advance of the towing operation. The safety system does this in relation with the lateral distance of the vessel’s centerline and guarantees the safety of crew and vessel when used accordingly.

HMC’s SafeTOW is claimed to deliver an extensive safety card which can be used at the bridge to keep an eye on all things which could happen during towing or anchor handling operations. The system can be combined with HMC’s Cargo Planning and Loading Instrument (CPC 2.0).

Further information about SafeTOW can be obtained at info@hmc.nl