Emergency towing procedure

9) SAFETY

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  Towing Tug must not engage towing winch hydraulics when towing rope starts to tension and commences towing. In short, clutch off and brakes on when beginning towing. Hauling with clutch-in may damage the hydraulic motors when the drum slips if the brakes are not holding.
  
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  Whenever the connection of towing line and eye splice becomes tight, the person in charge of such operation should watch the process of Towing Tug closely and ensure crewmembers are in a safe place always and their planned escape route is without obstructions.
  
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  During the emergency towing operation for connecting/disconnecting, No unauthorized persons are allowed to enter the forecastle deck on the Seismic Ship and back deck on Towing Tug.
  
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  The towing rope shall be inspected against wear and tear regularly. In addition, the disabled Seismic Ship will utilize her navigational equipment, including rudders, bow thruster, and main engines, to assist the Towing Tug when possible.
  
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  The vessel crew must keep slacking the towing rope and messenger line until the towing rope eye is recovered and secured to the primary towing wire of Towing Tug.
  
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  The Towing Tug should approach slowly on the bow of the Seismic vessel and keep her distance of around 30-50 meters.
  
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  Once tension is on the towing line, the actual towing is ready to commence.
  
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  During the operation, both vessel masters must maintain good communication and exchange all necessary information in due course/time.
  
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  The OOW on the Towing Tug should keep a sharp lookout on the back deck and will keep an eye on the towing connection and will keep the captain informed.
  
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  Additional crew will be on standby to assist where necessary.
  
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  Possible nighttime operation. Both vessels should have adequate deck lighting for bad/low visibility and nighttime situations.