The United Kingdom Maritime Pilots Association (UKMPA), in collaboration with the British Tugowners Association (BTA), has released a new circular: “Ship Assist with Tugs – Best Practice Guidelines.”

Developed in response to recent incidents and ongoing industry learnings, this guidance highlights the inherent risks involved in ship-assist towage and reinforces the critical importance of clear planning, communication, and a thorough understanding of tug capabilities.

The circular sets out key considerations for safe operations, including:
• The need for robust risk assessment and port-specific towage guidelines
• Selecting the right tug for the task and understanding operational limitations
• Effective Pilot–Master–Tug Master information exchange
• The importance of structured training and shared operational awareness
• Practical steps to address common shipboard safety issues during towage operations

This is an important piece of collaborative work between pilots and tug operators, aimed at strengthening safety standards across the industry.