TTC tug master and pilot training

Elsewhere in this special Seawork edition of MJ the importance of a close and trusting relationship between a ship’s pilot and assisting tug master becomes clear in the feature Safe and efficient shiphandling in Rotterdam. TTC are promoting this relationship with its training at SAFEEN’s request for operations at Abu Dhabi Ports. More and more ports worldwide are requiring joint tug master and pilot training with the aim of increasing port safety and efficiency, such training considered one of the key programmes offered by TTC.

TTC staff are providing on-the-job training to prepare local tug masters and deep-sea pilots for assisting Cape-size bulk carriers on the centre lead operation at Khalifa Port. The bulk carriers are due to commence using the port as this is being written, TTC stating a different approach to assisting such vessels at Khalifa Port is required. Recently 10 tug masters and 10 deep-sea pilots with operational skills were upgraded and retrained to become familiarised with the towing method they will use for the new operation.

TTC state it believes that improved safety, efficiency and profitability are achieved when everybody properly understands the complete picture. In training tug masters it aims to leave them with a firm appreciation of how their actions impact others around them.

Elsewhere, the company also uses its in-depth knowledge of tug operations to provide clients with the best possible advice on tug design, harbour or jetty layout and nautical processes. One of the core focus areas within TTC’s training and consultancy projects is to raise standards of nautical service providers through improved collaboration.

STC is based on Wilhelminakade in Rotterdam, next to the cruise terminal and is home to a state-of-the-art simulator where skills can be honed in procedures including: basic tug handling; basic and advanced harbour towage; escort towage (advanced) and ICE class training.

The programmes cover all types of tugs including: Rotortugs, ASD, tractor, Voith Schneider and infield support vessels, TTC also having access to the 15m, 10tbp training Rotortug RT Borkum for putting the training into practice.

By Peter Barker