Recent failures in dead ship towing operations resulting in the loss of the tow have illustrated the need for additional oversight of such operations. Transport Canada published Ship Safety Bulletin highlighting additional safety measures being taken to assess the safety of a dead ship towing operation prior to departing Canada on an international voyage.
International Maritime Organization (IMO) Guidelines for Safe Ocean Towing (MSC/Circ.884) provide important information for a safe towing operation covering such areas as; planning and preparation, environmental considerations, and requirements for the towing vessel, the towing equipment and the towed object. These Guidelines can be viewed at:http://www.imo.org/blast/blastDataHelper.asp?data_id=1798
The towing vessel’s master is responsible for ensuring the safety of the towing operation and that the towing arrangements are adequate for the intended voyage.
Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security has implemented a policy to conduct a safety assessment of dead ship towing operations prior to departure from Canada on its international voyage. This safety assessment has the aim of achieving the objectives set out by the IMO Guidelines is for Safe Ocean Towing (MSC/Circ.884).
In addition, foreign towing vessels will be subject to a Port State Control inspection at the same time as the safety assessment of the towing operation.
The owner, operator or master of the towing vessel for the dead ship towing operation should contact the nearest Transport Canada Centre with Marine Safety Services to arrange for the safety assessment as early as possible to avoid any potential delays.
Source: Transport Canada