Purpose
To outline vessel towing protocols.
Policy
- Lifesaving personnel should only attempt to tow another vessel when there are people in immediate danger.
- Lifesaving personnel should at no stage attempt to tow another vessel if it creates unacceptable risk.
- The primary function of Surf Life Saving is preservation of life, not recovery of property or salvage operations.
- RWCs are at no stage permitted to tow any form of vessel.
- Assistance from larger and more towing-capable vessels from other marine rescue organisations should be sought as soon as feasible, e.g. Marine Rescue NSW or NSW Water Police.
Procedure
The decision to tow another craft should be carefully evaluated. The first consideration should be the safety of the crew and those aboard the stricken vessel. If a tow is too hazardous, and the crew of the stricken vessel is in imminent danger, then they should be transferred to the rescue vessel. The primary function of Surf Life Saving is preservation of life, not recovery of property or salvage operations.
If a tow is feasible, the first decision is whether to leave some or all crew on board the disabled vessel. Those on board should have personal flotation devices and means of communicating between vessels. Wherever able persons should be transferred to the safety of land before commencing a tow.
Before attempting a tow, a verbal agreement should be reached that the skipper of the other boat will accept the tow and that the marine rescue vessel will take all care but no responsibility.
The outboard on the vessel should be left down to allow control of the direction of the towed vessel.
In long tows out to sea both boats must be in step, that is, both boats enter the troughs or crests simultaneously and at least one swell apart. The towed boat should be observed continuously. If it begins to yaw, the driver should slow down or the boat may broach, especially if the tow point is high above the waterline. Ideally the tow line should be attached as low as possible to the waterline of the vessel, at the bow.
The towed boats anchor, and anchor line can be attached in the tow line to allow a shock absorber in the line when towing in swells. Any slack line must be taken in to avoid fouling the propeller or jet unit.
If the tow is in a following sea, a drogue or sea anchor may need to be rigged 20 to 30 metres astern of the tow. A suitable drogue can be made from a bucket or similar.
If a large wave astern forces the disabled boat to override the rescue boat, it could prove disastrous. This can be avoided by quick throttle action. If the marine rescue vessel is forced to steer away, quickly abort the tow.
Crews Duties
- Ensure fenders are in place.
- Remove tow rope and bridle from rope locker.
- Rope selection:
- A long rope or two joined together connected to towed vessels anchor line, using anchor as a spring for big swell, or to a bollard or tow point.
- A short rope used for closed quarters and flat conditions (can be shorted even more by sheepshank).
- Bridle is looped around stern bollards; ensuring pulley and shackle are free and connect tow line to shackle at pulley.
- Lay out tow line on boat deck to ensure no tangles.
- Inform skipper that you are ready to tow.
- If warranted, use a light throw line from either vessel then use this to pull towline between vessels.
- Ensure person secures towline to anchor bollard, capstan or anchor line.
- Inform skipper all is secure.
- As driver takes up slack, pay out the line, ensuring it does not snag on vessel or crew, until taunt.
- As tow commences, monitor towline and vessel, being ready to sever (with knife) the tow line in case of emergency.
- At completion of tow, pull line in, keeping clear of motors.
- In close quarters, i.e., Marina, line is pulled in and an appropriately sized sheep shank placed in line. Line is then again laid out and tow recommences.
- Have a knife on deck to cut line free.
Driver Duties
- Place boat to the windward side of the vessel to be towed, close enough for lines to be transferred safely and await for signal that line is secured.
- On signal move forward on one motor at low revolutions to take up slack.
- Once line taut and towed vessel is true, speed can be increased.
- In enclosed or close quarter conditions, i.e. Marina, the line should be shortened to allow easy manoeuvring without risk of collision with other vessels.
- Be aware that the size of the towed vessel is proportional to the amount of momentum when towing ceases.
Skippers Duties (JRB/ORB Driver Duties)
- Plan the transfer of tow line from a safe distance + inform crew of planned procedure.
- Ensure other vessel is aware of your intentions whilst crew prepares for tow.
- Double check tow line is correct.
- Inform driver and other vessel when ready to tow.
- Oversee towing procedure ensuring safety of all involved.
- Advise crew and other vessel of intention to shorten line in close quarters.
- Get particulars from skipper of towed vessel i.e. Name, address, type of vessel, reason for requiring tow.