Towing

The basics of towing are very simple; you connect a wire between your tug and tow and start pulling. The technique of manoeuvring with your tow is something different and much more complex than straight-foreward towing. What you see here on this picture is the mooring of the cargo barge H-627 (length over all: 627 ft) alongside the 'Hermod' by the 'Retriever' together with our companion tug 'President Hubert'. Although a Belgian tug, her captain uses the Dutch technique of assisting during mooring: being towed backwards behind the stern of the barge. In this manner you have complete control over the movements of the barge. Correcting is effective and swift. There are only a couple of potential dangers in this way of assisting. You have to be careful with your speed and your list. Too much speed can impose the risk of water on deck and eventually capsizing of your tug.