SeaWays Pilot Tug ORDERS 8 12

STANDARD PILOT/TUG
COMMUNICATIONS
www.tugmasters.org
By
Capt. Arie Nygh
(Revision November 2011)
Registered Copyright ®© 070497
THIS MANUAL AND ALL CONTENT IS PROTECTED BY REGISTERED COPY RIGHT ® © TO:
SEAWAYS CONSULTANTS PTY LTD ACN 117 910 880 ABN 50 117 910 88
8 Challenger Rise, Coogee, Western Australia 6166 seaways@seaways.net.au
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www.seaways.net.au Page 1 of 11
Copyright®© & Disclaimer
Seaways Consultants Pty Ltd
8 Challenger Rise,
Coogee,
Western Australia. 6166
ABN: 50 117 910 880
ACN: 117 910 880
Telephone/fax: (+61) 0 8 94343434
Mobile: (+61) 0 439 465646
Email: seaways@seaways.net.au
Web: www.seaways.net.au
Managing Director: Capt. Arie Nygh
COPYRIGHT
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of SeaWays Consultants Pty Ltd.
SeaWays Consultants Pty Ltd gives all individuals and entities permission to make copies, reproduce and utilise this document on the proviso that
SeaWays Consultants Pty Ltd is given clear recognition as the author and copyright holder covering this document.
DISCLAIMER
Although great care has been taken with the writing and production of this manual, neither SeaWays Consultants Pty Ltd nor Arie Nygh (the author) can
accept any responsibility for errors, omissions or their consequences.
This training manual has been prepared to address the subject of pilot – tugmaster communications during towage duties. This should not, however, be
taken to mean that this document deals comprehensively with all the concerns that will need to be addressed, that this document sets out the only
definitive view for all situations.
Readers, pilots, tugmasters, trainees and/or students should make themselves aware of any local, national, or international laws, legislation, statutory
and administrative requirements and changes to such, which might affect the operation of ships, vessels and/or tugs undertaking general harbour
towage and/or escort towing & dynamic assist towage duties while utilising this document and its content.
The opinions expressed are those of the author only and are not to be taken as the policies or views of any organisation with which the author has any
connection.
Nothing in this manual exonerates or supports a pilot, ship’s master, tug master, coxswain or any other person from the consequences of deviating from
the International Regulations For Preventing Collisions At Sea and Steering and Sailing Regulations. Specific attention is drawn to Rule 2 – Responsibility;
(a) Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these
Rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.
PILOT & TUGMASTER JOINT TRAINING

SeaWays strongly recommends that before any Active Escort or Dynamic Assist towage is undertaken that both the pilots and tugmasters engaged in
the operation have been fully and competently jointly trained by experienced professional pilot/tugmaster trainers to a defined standard that is
subjectively assessed. Active Escort & Dynamic Assist towage operations are the high end of towage requiring exceptional skills and considerable
confidence to be able to safely and effectively perform. Furthermore, the consequences of getting it wrong are significant.
AUTHOR
Whilst the majority of this manual was written by SeaWays Consultants Pty Ltd and its managing director Capt. Arie Nygh, SeaWays wishes to
acknowledge and thank the following individuals and entities who contributed to the development and/or content:
 Brisbane Marine Pilot Service
 Capt Ross Nicholls – Brisbane Pilot
 Capt Rob Crozier – Brisbane Pilot
 Capt Henk Hensen – Author ‘Tug Use In Port’
 Capt Vic Schisler - Long Beach USA
 AMS (PB Towage) – Brisbane Tugmasters
 Adsteam – (SVITZER) – Brisbane Tugmasters
 SERCO Marine Ltd – UK Training Masters - Steve, Neil & Bob
 Capt. Alan Loynd - Branscombe Marine Consultants, Hong Kong
 Port of Portland Australia – Training Masters
INTERNATIONAL TUGMASTERS ASSOCIATION

Visit the ITA website to download copies of this manual on: www.tugmasters.org
Mobile: 0439 46 56 46 Phone: (+61) 08 94343434 Fax: (+61) 08 94343434
THE STANDARD ORDERS USED BETWEEN PILOTS & TUGS
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this document is to establish a standard vocabulary between pilots and tugs. Communication is the function of transmitting ideas, orders
or sharing information to support the safe and expeditious transit of ships in ports, harbours, confined waters and under escort. The vital cooperation of
those participating in this team effort will be achieved through a clear and concise message.
RESPONSIBILITY
Control Harbour is responsible for the coordination of all initial VHF call up communications. Once the pilot has been allocated the tug(s),
the tug master should select the appropriate working channel (see Table 1 below).
HARBOUR COMMUNICATIONS (Harbour Control, Pilot, Tugs, Lines Launch, Wharf)

 Pilot to contact tug(s) (and lines launch if applicable) to confirm the VHF working channel.
 Before any operation, establish working channels, test communications.
 The tug(s) should have additional VHF available for use at all times which is either handheld or operational on emergency power.
RADIO CHANNELS
 Administrative Channel: VHF channel 12 used for initial call up between pilot and tug/lines launch.
 Working Channels: VHF channels 6, 8, 9 and 10 are reserved for pilot/tug communications.
 Emergency Channel: VHF channel 16 should be used as the emergency channel if loss of communications on the working channel occurs.
 A prolonged blast on ship or tug whistle indicates a loss of communication on the working channel & all parties should switch to channel 16.
 Non-Pilot Related Channel: VHF channel 14 is normally used for non-critical, general communications.
 Pilot Radios: All pilots are generally equipped with a handheld VHF radio and spare battery with sufficient channels.
 Tug Radios: All tugs are equipped with two VHF marine radios and handheld VHF radios.
WORKING CHANNELS & SECONDARY CHANNELS (Example to be made specific to port)

 06 Primary working channel
 08 Secondary working channel
USE OF RADIOS
 Conduct only essential business over the radio. Harbour and/or Port Controls record all VHF communications and telephone exchanges.
 Keep all questions, answers and exchanges as brief and concise as possible. Try to frame messages beforehand and eliminate unnecessary
commentary.
 Always speak with clarity to reduce the need for repetition.
 Avoid high noise areas when communicating. If possible, move away from or reduce the noise level rather than trying to shout above it.
When aboard a launch, reduce engine speed.
 Following dismissal from a ship departure operation, tug masters must ensure they can be contacted immediately on VHF channel 12, if the
need arises.
PILOT/TUG COMMUNICATIONS AND OPERATIONAL PRACTICE

 Standard orders and tug acknowledgement and response are necessary to ensure complete coordination between pilots and tug masters.
Therefore, to improve communication, avoid misunderstanding and ensure safe operating procedures, standard vocabulary should be
utilised when moving ships with tug assistance.
 To ensure a tug master carries out a pilot’s instructions effectively, he/she must first receive them clearly. The pilot must give clear and
concise orders to the assisting tug(s). The pilot must be alert to immediately detect any lack of acknowledgement or lack of response by the
tug to their order and must take positive, timely action to correct the situation.
 The pilot should advise tug masters of intended manoeuvre e.g. “swing bow to Port/Stb, backing into berth” or intention to use the tug as a
brake, etc.
 The pilot should advise tug masters of preferred location of tugs on the ship and ensure these positions are safe and workable through
consultation with the tugmaster, particular attention should be given to the SWL of the ship’s fittings in relationship to the tug’s bollard pull.
 The tug master should advise the pilot if the preferred location is safely accessible to the tug (i.e. a suitable lead is available) or advise on a
proposed alternative if no suitable lead is available.
 If a pilot has a concern regarding the length of towline, he/she should discuss this with the tugmaster.
 The utilisation of ship’s officers in assisting the pilot to ensure that the orders are carried out is considered prudent seamanship. If
practicable, the working channel should be switched to an additional VHF set inside the wheelhouse when the pilot is manoeuvring outside
on the bridge wing.
 Distractions in the tug control station must be eliminated to ensure the pilot’s instructions are received. Responses to the pilot should also be
clear and concise.
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 Pilots and tugmasters should utilise the “Standard Orders and Power Settings for Tugs”.
 Pilots must have the ability to plan the next order for the tug in advance. This is especially relevant when changing from a stop or push up
mode to the lift off mode, to allow time for the tug to move into the lift off position.
 As per the principles of BRM, the pilot should inform the ship’s master of the tug movements and power settings whenever practical.
 When letting-go a tug, pilots should give adequate warning to the tug master on the status of the ship’s engine turning ahead. This is
especially relevant on large container ships with high Dead Slow Ahead speeds.
 The orders and communication within this document have been developed based on a considerable amount of experience and trials that
have taken into account the environmental challenges faced by both operational pilots & tugmasters, such as wind & noise, language &
accent issues and the normal realities of day to day operations. I.e. Every pilot order to a tug starts with “Tug ???.........” and every
communication from the tugmaster to the pilot begins with “Pilot .........”. Given the various distractions and operational focus constantly
being dealt with by both pilots and tugmasters, this manner of communication is effectively educating their subconscious mind to respond to
a call, either to the pilot from the tug or from the tug to the pilot, which alerts them to listen up there is an important communiqué for them.
DEFINING THE “NUMBER OF POINTS”

 Any request by the pilot to the tug master to move to a “Number of Points” is based on the points of the compass. Each quadrant is divided
into eight points. Pilots often use this system to fine tune the tugs positioning.
 The following illustrates how the points system is referenced in Brisbane:
 From right ahead, one to four points on the bow.
 From right astern, one to four points from the stern on the quarter.
 From the beam, one to four points for’d or aft of the beam.
VHF PROTOCOL WITH STANDARD TUG ORDERS

 Radio instructions to the tug must be precise and without the use of unusual expressions, slang and homespun terminology.
 Subject to the circumstances:

 When relaying orders to a tug, the pilot should speak to each tug with the location of the tug first, e.g. “Tug Fwd - standby to lift off”.
 The pilot should speak to each tug separately, e.g. “Tug Fwd - standby to lift off” (pause) “Tug Aft - standby to lift off”.
 A defined break is required between orders, where possible, to ensure each tug master has time to understand clearly.
 The tug order should be given in full each time, i.e. avoid using increase/decrease power settings.
 The tug master is to repeat the order back to the pilot to confirm he/she has received the order.
 When the pilot requests a tug to standby in a new position or has requested a change in the direction of the power, the tug master will notify
the pilot that the tug is in the new position and ready to work or has changed direction and is now applying the required power in the new
direction. (i.e. Order: "Tug Aft - standby to lift off". Reply: repeat back the order, then when ready "Tug Fwd - ready to lift off" or Order: "Tug
Aft - stop, come in and push up half power". Reply: repeat back the order, then when ready "….. now pushing half power".) A change in
power setting in the same direction only requires the order to be repeated back.
 When the pilot relays information other than a tug order, e.g. ship ahead/astern/parallel to the berth, 5 metres off, etc, the tug master
should acknowledge receipt and understanding of the information in a standard response but not repeat the order, e.g.“Tug Fwd - Copy”.
Mobile: 0439 46 56 46 Phone: (+61) 08 94343434 Fax: (+61) 08 94343434
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Standard Orders Used For Pilotage, Tugs and Winch Driving
If a pilot gives a generic or emergency call to all tasked tugs, the responses should start from the foremost tug down to the aftermost tug
e.g: “Both tugs lift off ½ power”. The Fwd tug would respond 1st then aft tug 2nd
Tug Bow (Pilot to Harbour Tug – Example Orders)

 “Tug Bow at 2 points out from right ahead take the ship’s bow to port/Stb at Slow Power”.
 “Tug Bow at 1 point Fwd of the beam take the ship’s bow to port/Stb at ½ Power”.
 “Tug Bow at 3 points out from right ahead take the ship’s bow to port/Stb at ¾ Power”.
 “Tug Bow at 4 points out from right ahead the ship’s bow to port/Stb at Full Power”.
 “Tug Bow Steady on (Landmark) and Pull Easy Power”.
 “Tug Bow - Let go and stand clear”.

 “Tug Bow - Let go and run with the ship”.
 “Tug Bow - Drop back and secure a second towline on Port/Stb shoulder”.
Tug Bow (Pilot to Tug Escort – Example Orders)

 “Tug Bow - Run right ahead on heading ??? and Maintain 6 (?) knots”.
 “Tug Bow - Run right ahead on heading ??? and Pull Full Power”.
Tug Fwd (Pilot to Tug Escort – Example Orders)
 “Tug Fwd - Come in and make fast on Port/Stb shoulder”.

 “Tug Fwd - Standby square on Port/Stb shoulder on long line ready to lift off, no weight”.
 “Tug Fwd - Standby square on Port/Stb Shoulder push up/lift off, no weight”.
 “Tug Fwd - Port/Stb lift off square at Slow Power”.
 “Tug Fwd - Port/Stb lift off square at ½ Power”.
 “Tug Fwd - Port/Stb lift off square at ¾ Power”.
 “Tug Fwd - Port/Stb lift off square at full Power”.
 “Tug Fwd - Come back in ready to push, no weight”.
 “Tug Fwd - Port/Stb push up Slow Power”.
 “Tug Fwd - Port/Stb push up ½ Power”.
 “Tug Fwd - Port/Stb push up ¾ Power”.
 “Tug Fwd - Port/Stb push up Full Power”.
 “Tug Fwd - Port/Stb stop and run with the ship Bow/Stern first”.
Releasing the Tug Fwd (Pilot to Tug – Example Orders)
 “Tug Fwd - Stop and maintain position”.

 “Tug Fwd - Port/Stb come in, no weight and standby to let go”.
 “Tug Fwd - Let go”.
 “Tug Fwd - Stand clear and run with the ship opposite the Port/Stb shoulder”.
Tug Aft (Pilot to Tug – Example Orders)
 “Tug Aft - Come in and make fast on Port/Stb quarter”.

 “Tug Aft - Standby square on Port/Stb quarter on long line ready to lift off - No Weight”.
 “Tug Aft - Standby square on Port/Stb quarter Push/Pull - No Weight”.
 “Tug Aft - Port/Stb, lift off square at Slow Power”.
 “Tug Aft - Port/Stb, lift off square at ½ Power”.
 “Tug Aft - Port/Stb, lift off square at ¾ Power”.
 “Tug Aft - Port/Stb, lift off square at Full Power”.
 “Tug Aft - Come back in ready to push, No Weight”.
 “Tug Aft - Port/Stb, push up Slow Power”.
 “Tug Aft - Port/Stb, push up ½ Power”.
 “Tug Aft - Port/Stb, push up ¾ Power”.
 “Tug Aft - Port/Stb, stop and run with the ship Bow or Stern First”.
Releasing the Tug Aft (Pilot to Tug – Example Orders)
 “Tug Aft - Stop and maintain position”.

 “Tug Aft - Port/Stb come in, no weight and standby to let go”.
 “Tug Aft - Let go”.
 “Tug Aft - Stand clear and run with the ship opposite the Port/Stb shoulder”.
The above orders for Fwd and Aft Tugs is the same For Tug Amidships
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Tug Stern (Pilot to Tug – Example Orders)
 “Tug Stern – Come in and secure in ship’s centre lead aft and standby in a position 80m directly astern No Weight”.
 “Tug Stern – Right astern, lay back Full and Stop the ship on its current heading”.
 “Tug Stern – Directly astern and arrest the ship at Full Power”.
 “Tug Stern – Come 1 Point to Port/Stb of right astern and arrest the ship at ½ Power”.
 “Tug Stern – At 1 Point abaft beam take the ship’s stern to Port/Stb at Minimum Power”.
 “Tug Stern – At 4 Points from right astern take the ship’s stern to Port/Stb at Full Power”.
 “Tug Stern – Lay back directly astern at Easy Power”.
 “Tug Stern – Lay back directly astern and slow the ship to 5 (?) Knots”.
 “Tug Stern – Lay Back directly astern and lay back Full and stop the ship on current heading”.
 “Tug Stern – Come out onto Port/Stb Quarter with no weight and Standby”.
 “Tug Stern – Stop come right astern with No Weight”.
 “Tug Stern – Stop fall in behind on a long towline - No Weight”.
Releasing the Tug Stern (Pilot to Tug – Example Orders)

 “Tug Stern – Stop and maintain position”.
 “Tug Stern – Come in and let go from the ship’s centre lead aft”.
Tug Stern – Indirect Orders (Pilot to Tug – Example Orders) (See Full Diagram on Page 9)
 “Tug Stern – At 1 point abaft beam take the ship’s stern to Port/Stb at Easy Power”.
 “Tug Stern – At 2 points abaft beam take the ship’s stern to Port/Stb at Slow Power”.
 “Tug Stern – At 1 point abaft beam take the ship’s stern to Port/Stb at ½ Power”.
 “Tug Stern – At 2 points abaft beam take the ship’s stern to Port/Stb at ¾ Power”.
 “Tug Stern – At 4 points abaft beam take the ship’s stern to Port/Stb at Full Power”.
Tug Stern - Rudder/Push (Pilot to Tug – Example Orders) (See Full Diagram on Page 10)
 “Tug Stern – Winch in up to ships transom and via rudder/push tug technique maintain the ships speed at ?? Knots”.
 “Tug Stern – While maintaining 5 Knts take the ship’s stern to Port/Stb at 1 Point”.
 “Tug Stern – While maintaining 4 Knts take the ship’s stern to Port/Stb at 3 Points”.
 “Tug Stern – Arrest Ship maintain heading”.
Mobile: 0439 46 56 46 Phone: (+61) 08 94343434 Fax: (+61) 08 94343434
TUGMASTER INFO CARD
PILOT TUG INFO CARD
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Tugmaster Orders to Pilot (Example Orders)
Apart from repeating the order back to the Pilot there are times when the tugmaster gives his own response.
 "Pilot – Tug Stern – Towline is fast”.

 "Pilot – Tug Fwd – Towline is lengthened ready to work”.
 "Pilot – Tug Aft – Tug made fast Port/Stb Shoulder/Quarter standing by no weight”.
 "Pilot – Tug Bow – Standing by to let go”.
 "Pilot – Tug Amidships – Tug towline recovered and standing by on Port/Stb Shoulder/Quarter”.
 "Pilot – Tug Aft – Ships stern is 20 (?) metres and closing to the jetty”.
 "Pilot – Tug Fwd – Ships Bow 10 (?) metres off of the jetty and swing through”.
Pilot Escort Towage Commands to Tugmaster Reference Sheet

The next two pages of this manual have been designed to be reference sheets for both pilots and tugmasters.
They incorporate all the manoeuvres a tug can deliver during escort towage operations.
There are five sections to each order:
1. Tug Command: “This is the actual order a pilot will give to a tugmaster”.
2. Purpose: Explanation of what the pilot actually requires the tug to do.
3. Manoeuvre: Explains what the tugmaster has to do to carry out the order.
4. Action: Once the tugmaster makes their decision there are to inform the pilot as to what it is.
5. Diagram:
a. This is a quick reference for both pilot and tugmaster as to what the effect on the ship will be.
b. On the first page the diagram references both direct & indirect long line methods.
c. For Long Line; Position of tug in ‘points’.
d. On the second page the diagram references Push/Rudder Assist methods.
e. For Push/Rudder; Angle to the centre line and position of the tug.
f. The direction of the water flow.
g. This arrow,
i. Highlights which way the ship will turn.
ii. The expected rate of turn is represented in red.
iii. The expected amount of arrest (Long Line Aft) or forward propulsion (Push/Rudder) is represented in purple.
Wording highlighted by using the colour 'blue' relates directly to a command a pilot will give to a tugmaster.
As previously mentioned undertaking escort towage in confined waters such as harbours, rivers, channels etc, can be very challenging. In these
operating areas the pilot will need to have far greater control over the ship than is the norm in open water escorting. The manoeuvres and
corresponding commands in this manual have been developed to ensure both the pilot and tugmaster have a comprehensive knowledge of what can be
achieved and how.
It is imperative that both the pilot and tugmaster have a comprehensive knowledge of escort towing and are very familiar with the commands and
exactly how they are to be executed quickly, efficiently and safely, because in confined waters there is no time for hesitation, ambiguity, debate,
confusion or ineptness.
While there are many possible orders in this document that can be given to control the ship and tug, in most instances only a small number will actually
be used.
The next two pages are designed so to be printed and laminated. This laminated reference sheet can then be kept in the wheelhouse of escort tugs.
Mobile: 0439 46 56 46 Phone: (+61) 08 94343434 Fax: (+61) 08 94343434
Mobile: 0439 46 56 46 Phone: (+61) 08 94343434 Fax: (+61) 08 94343434
Mobile: 0439 46 56 46 Phone: (+61) 08 94343434 Fax: (+61) 08 94343434

SeaWays Pilot Tug ORDERS 8 12

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STANDARD PILOT/TUG

Registered Copyright ®© 070497

PILOT & TUGMASTER JOINT TRAINING

INTERNATIONAL TUGMASTERS ASSOCIATION

HARBOUR COMMUNICATIONS (Harbour Control, Pilot, Tugs, Lines Launch, Wharf)

WORKING CHANNELS & SECONDARY CHANNELS (Example to be made specific to port)

PILOT/TUG COMMUNICATIONS AND OPERATIONAL PRACTICE

DEFINING THE “NUMBER OF POINTS”

VHF PROTOCOL WITH STANDARD TUG ORDERS

 Subject to the circumstances:

Tug Bow (Pilot to Harbour Tug – Example Orders)

 “Tug Bow - Let go and stand clear”.

Tug Bow (Pilot to Tug Escort – Example Orders)

Tug Fwd (Pilot to Tug Escort – Example Orders)

 “Tug Fwd - Come in and make fast on Port/Stb shoulder”.

Releasing the Tug Fwd (Pilot to Tug – Example Orders)

 “Tug Fwd - Stop and maintain position”.

Tug Aft (Pilot to Tug – Example Orders)

 “Tug Aft - Come in and make fast on Port/Stb quarter”.

Releasing the Tug Aft (Pilot to Tug – Example Orders)

 “Tug Aft - Stop and maintain position”.

Releasing the Tug Stern (Pilot to Tug – Example Orders)

PILOT TUG INFO CARD

 "Pilot – Tug Stern – Towline is fast”.

Pilot Escort Towage Commands to Tugmaster Reference Sheet

i. Highlights which way the ship will turn.

ii. The expected rate of turn is represented in red.

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