) EMERGENCY TOWING OPERATION

8) EMERGENCY TOWING OPERATION

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  The OOW of the Seismic vessel immediately calls the Towing Tug to initiate the Emergency Tow.
  
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  The Towing Tug shall approach the bow of the Seismic vessel from the nominated side as agreed between the respective Masters regarding the weather conditions and in-sea seismic equipment.
  
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  When at a suitable distance, the Seismic vessel crew at the forecastle deck shall pass the heaving line/messenger line (at least 50 meters) or launch the pneumatic line thrower to the Towing Tug. The throw shall aim to land the end of the line on the open deck of Towing Tug or a pre-determined point. Towing Tug Crews on the back deck shall be ready to pick up the heaving line/messenger line. Upon receiving the messenger line from the Seismic vessel, the Towing Tug should start to pay in the messenger line and Main Tow Rope using the available Gypsy (either Main Towing Winch or Tugger Winch)
  
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  As a backup, Towing Tug Crew shall be ready with a heaving line & messenger line on the back deck. In case of Seismic ship fails to pass the messenger line, Towing Tug Crew shall pass the heaving line to the Seismic vessel, thus connecting the Towline of the Seismic vessel.
  
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  Towing crew shall signal the Seismic team that they will start retrieving the messenger line & Tow Rope. As the line leaves the Seismic Ship, the Seismic Ship will indicate to Towing crew when the towline eye is about to leave the Seismic Ship.
  
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  Towing Tug shall keep as close as possible to the seismic vessel , thus ensuring the Tow Rope can be retrieved safely.
  
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  Once the Seismic vessel advises the towline leaving outboard, Towing Tug deck crews shall continue to recover Main Tow Rope. Once the Tow rope is on Tug's deck, it will be secured and connected to the Main Towing wire by a 55ton or larger Shackle. Tow Tug Crews shall use a Tugger winch for safe connecting operation.
  
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  Seismic vessel crews should be ready on the forecastle deck & equipped with grapnel or boat hook for releasing the Towline in case it becomes fouled by the fenders/obstruction (if any) fitted to the hull of the Seismic vessel .