04 Jan 22 Second Edition of Pilots' Pocket Guide and Checklist from the British Tugowners Association Released The British Tugowners Association (BTA) in collaboration with the UK Chamber of Shipping has launched its new Pilots' Pocket Guide and Checklist. Harbour towage is a potentially hazardous business and should not be undertaken unless there has been a proper assessment of the risks involved. Good communication by all parties, proper planning with an understanding of what can go wrong and good seamanship are critical in ensuring that the risks are minimised. Thorough training and appropriate experience are also essential in ensuring that the professionals involved are competent. To assist in this process, this guide aims to support pilots and PEC holders in their daily task. It draws on industry best practice and uses checklists, coupled with guidance, to provide a handy pocket aide memoire for those responsible for directing tugs during harbour towage.The guide has been written by members of the British Tugowners Association in conjunction with the UK Maritime Pilots’ Association in order to promote and improve safety in harbour towage.This second edition introduces a range of new content, including:Greater emphasis on development of the pilotage plan for shared mental model between all crewsImproved two-stage checklistsVessel familiarisation and liaison groupingsClosed-Loop Communications to protect against false mutual understandings for safety critical informationValue of briefings and de-briefings (work as done as compared to work as imagined)Breaking down best practice by period of operation, eg Pre-Arrival or Making Fast and ManoeuvreCorrect reporting of dangerously weighted heaving linesImportance of tow points and the risk of girtingJon Hawkins, Technical Chair of the British Tugowners Association said:“I am really pleased we have been able to launch the Second Edition, which builds on the first, add increased emphasis on focusing on value of teamwork, closed loop communications, having a shared mental model, and liaison meetings. Tugs and pilots work together and we believe this guide with further improve safety through better teamwork. I would like to thank those who assisted with the guide, with particular mention going to the UK Maritime Pilots’ Association, Workboat Association and Shipowners P&I for their input.”Hywel Pugh, Chairman of the UK Maritime Pilots’ Association commented:"A good aid memoire for all pilots to carry, the new edition has got more detail covering the whole range of Harbour towage and Escort towage Do’s and Do Not’s. Readability through highlighted bullet points is very good with key points quick to find. The key “Do Nots” are clear simple and imperative. A great companion to have with you.” The BTA firmly believes in Safer Pilotage and Towage through collaborative working and encourages uptake and use of the Guide, which can be purchased here. Share:
12 Feb 2025 National Apprenticeship Week: Blog Stephen Gallagher, is a Careers at Sea Ambassador and Senior Technical Advisor at SGMF. To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we sat down with Stephen to find out more about his apprenticeship, the skills he developed and how it shaped his career. Read more News
04 Feb 2025 Claire Hogan wins inaugural Careers At Sea Ambassador of the Year Award Claire Hogan, a passionate and dedicated Careers at Sea Ambassador, has been named the winner of the Careers at Sea Ambassador of the Year Award for 2024. Claire was presented with the prestigious award by Graham Westgarth, at the UK Chamber of Shipping’s Annual Dinner last night, where she was honoured for her efforts in front of over 700 attendees. Read more News
04 Feb 2025 UK Chamber Annual Dinner 2025 The UK Chamber of Shipping hosted its prestigious annual gala dinner at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London, on Monday 3 February. Over 700 guests from across the UK and international shipping community gathered to recognise and celebrate the contribution of the industry to growth and employment across our maritime nation. Read more News