Following reasons may cause a vessel to be towed in a long distance towage:
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Poor steering ability in the proximity of navigational hazards. |
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Loss of steering. |
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Loss of propulsion power. |
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Display NUC light or shape. |
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Assess the distance from the nearest danger. Calculate the estimated time as per the present drift to the danger. |
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Obtain weather forecast. Actions to be taken to save persons onboard. |
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Assess actions to take to save life of persons onboard and/or the ship. Carry out repairs. |
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Advise owner about the present situation and actions taken. |
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Seek owner's advice and remind them to inform underwriters about the situation. |
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Adopt measures to get the persons onboard to safety. |
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Adopt means of reducing drift. This may involve lowering down the anchors, using thrusters. |
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Prepare the vessel for grounding or bad weather, if applicable. |
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Inform the present situation to the vessels in vicinity that own ship is NUC, position, direction and rate of drift. |
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Inform shore authorities if the vessel is drifting towards the shore and if there is likelihood of any oil spill. |
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Consider negotiating a tow to a safe port. |
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Make appropriate log book entries. |
While negotiating a deep sea towage, following factors to be considered:
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Condition of the towing vessel, her power, towing arrangements, whether she will be able to tow safely. |
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Is the towing vessel professional in this field? |
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Type of contract is there with the towing vessel. |
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The port to be towed. Is the port safe? |
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Salvage award does not depend only if the ship is towed. It also depends on the effort put on by the towing vessel and the risk taken to save the ship/ environment. |
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If repair works can be done in the intended port. |