200377 Towing Signals

Towing Signals
MARS Report 200377

Early in my present period of duty we had rig shift which involved a couple of 140 mile tows. At the pre rig shift meeting with the Oil Major at the supply base we were given their written procedure for the whole operation. In the procedure it stated that, when towing the rig, we are required to show the signals for manoeuvring with difficulty. I inquired of the consultant, if he meant the towing diamond and three white lights, or ball/diamondl/ball and red/white/red. He said the latter, so I told him I would not be showing those signals when under normal towing as it would be illegal. There was then a discussion with the senior personnel where I tried to explain that our diamond during the day and three white lights at night signified that we were restricted by the fact that we are towing, but are able to alter course if required by the COLREGS.

Earlier this year I had another dispute over a similar incident. I was towing a semi-submersible rig to the Far East. I had already told my British Mate and Philippino 2nd. Mate to display only our towing signals and not the manoeuvring with difficulty signals. I had also explained the reasons why. During the first night, the Barge Master, an Australian who has been Master on supply vessels and has a Master's Class 1 certificate, instructed my 2/0 to put on our red/white/red lights, which he did, thinking the Barge Master on the rig was in charge. In the morning when the 2/0 told me, I called the rig and asked the Barge Master (who I know well) what the hell he was doing. He said it was because we were crossing the shipping lane and everybody does it here. I explained to him why it should not be shown.

Readers' Feedback 1

May I suggest that the report concerning Towing Signals requires further examination.

Rule 3(g)(vi) allows towing vessels to exhibit "restricted ability to manoeuvre" signals if circumstances permit. Towing a semi-submersible rig across a shipping lane could well be construed as being severely restricted. If the shipping lane was busy the barge master on the rig may have been feeling very vulnerable.

Readers' Feedback 2

I have noted with interest the arguments for and against the use of "restricted to manoeuvre" lights in conjunction with towing lights.

I am a Master with Hong Kong Salvage and Towage onboard their seagoing tugs which range worldwide. I always display the restricted to manoeuvre lights for the simple reason that it alerts vessels coming up astern of you to the fact that you may be restricted in your ability to manoeuver and also that you are not two vessels that he/she is overtaking. I do this because, when towing barges or unmanned tows over long distances, the tug crew are not aware at all times whether the stern light on the tow is functional or not. As the tug's towing lights are not visible from a point more than two points abaft the beam, the fact that there are three or thirty is of no use to a vessel coming up from astern whereas the "restricted to manoeuvre" lights are visible through an arc of 360 degrees. Large tows and background light also often obscure the tug's stern light and the light for the tow to steer by from an overtaking vessel. I trust that my tuppence worth will help the argument.