# Tugs & Towing **URL:** https://forum.gcaptain.com/c/maritime-topics/tugs-towing/40.md [Latest](https://forum.gcaptain.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.gcaptain.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.gcaptain.com/tags.md) --- ## [About the Tugs & Towing category](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/about-the-tugs-towing-category/46)
**Author:** [@system](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2017, 12:41pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/about-the-tugs-towing-category/46 "2017-02-18T12:41:57Z")
Tug and towing industry. Harbor tugs, ocean towing, ATBs, barge operations, and towing vessel careers. --- ## [News about the tugworld](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/news-about-the-tugworld/56631)
**Author:** [@ombugge](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/ombugge)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2026, 8:54pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/news-about-the-tugworld/56631 "2026-09-20T20:54:58Z")
How to future proof tugs may net be a hot topic everywhere, but a Webinar organized by Riveira has taken up the subject: --- ## [Tug News](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/tug-news/48461)
**Author:** [@ombugge](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/ombugge)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2026, 9:54pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/tug-news/48461 "2026-07-29T21:54:35Z")
Damen is continuously trying to stay ahead of the pack when it comes to developing new and innovative tug designs: http://www.maritimejournal.com/news101/vessel-build-and-maintenance/vessel-launch/damens-new-rsd-tug-not… --- ## [Electric tugs](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/electric-tugs/58366)
**Author:** [@ombugge](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/ombugge)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2026, 8:34pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/electric-tugs/58366 "2026-04-27T20:34:58Z")
--- ## [Tug passes strange glowing item to mooring crew in Piraeus (Athens)](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/tug-passes-strange-glowing-item-to-mooring-crew-in-piraeus-athens/74311)
**Author:** [@tavdog](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/tavdog)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2026, 12:21pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/tug-passes-strange-glowing-item-to-mooring-crew-in-piraeus-athens/74311 "2026-02-17T12:21:36Z")
So I was watching an early morning docking on the Viking Vela near Athens. The tug followed us in the whole time and didn’t need to offer any assistance. I thought the tug was about to leave us when it came very close an… --- ## [Beacon maritime training](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/beacon-maritime-training/71712)
**Author:** [@Steaksauce](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Steaksauce)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2025, 7:39am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/beacon-maritime-training/71712 "2025-12-24T07:39:25Z")
I got a guy here that wants to sign up for Beacon Maritime Training’s DDE 1000/4000 course. I told him to sit and test first but he wants some formal training. The entire class and test is online. I’ve never heard of the… --- ## [Ocean Towing with Rope Hawser](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/ocean-towing-with-rope-hawser/65188)
**Author:** [@Kennebec\_Captain](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Kennebec_Captain)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2025, 1:44am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/ocean-towing-with-rope-hawser/65188 "2025-12-22T01:44:14Z")
Don’t know for sure about the Alex Haley. The one photo of taking the Kulluk under tow showed the crew handling a rope hawser. It was the same way on both cutters I was on. On the fantail there was a big towing bitt. W… --- ## [Orville hook video](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/orville-hook-video/73725)
**Author:** [@Dsmoll10](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Dsmoll10)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2025, 3:34pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/orville-hook-video/73725 "2025-11-19T15:34:20Z")
Does anyone have a link to the original Sause Bros video explaining the Orville Hook and how to use it? I watched it when I first started tugboating but now I can’t find it anywhere! It was shot in the 90s maybe? Anyone … --- ## [Which FCC license do I need?](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/which-fcc-license-do-i-need/73454)
**Author:** [@TB5623](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/TB5623)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2025, 11:11pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/which-fcc-license-do-i-need/73454 "2025-09-24T23:11:06Z")
I work on a harbor tug doing ship assist. I am an AMS and I’m about to finish my toar, but I need to get my FCC. Which one do I need to get because there are 6 different options on the Mariners Learning System? --- ## [Conventional Tug working a headline not lead through the bull nose](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/conventional-tug-working-a-headline-not-lead-through-the-bull-nose/72843)
**Author:** [@chase1](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/chase1)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2025, 11:48am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/conventional-tug-working-a-headline-not-lead-through-the-bull-nose/72843 "2025-06-24T11:48:30Z")
I was doing some looking around and noticed that some vessel assist conventional tugs have been assisting with longer leads not ran through the bow staple. Rather they run the line around the bull nose and go straight fr… --- ## [Combined tug and barge sea service](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/combined-tug-and-barge-sea-service/71900)
**Author:** [@swab](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/swab)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 11:09am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/combined-tug-and-barge-sea-service/71900 "2025-02-21T11:09:47Z")
I am presently sailing as a mate of tow on a 99 grt tug. I will quickly have the 90 day recency to upgrade to master 500 grt. According to the checklists, this shouldn’t be an issue with a 99 grt tug. Buuut, I’m curious… --- ## [Tugboat Hierarchy](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/tugboat-hierarchy/71720)
**Author:** [@TugboatDeckHand96](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/TugboatDeckHand96)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2025, 12:38pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/tugboat-hierarchy/71720 "2025-01-28T12:38:38Z")
Just something Ive noticed while working on Tugs for the past 4 years in the the form crude memes lol --- ## [Siu-inland companies?](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/siu-inland-companies/71685)
**Author:** [@Steaksauce](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Steaksauce)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2025, 1:48pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/siu-inland-companies/71685 "2025-01-25T13:48:35Z")
What companies have SIU inland employees? Kirby is a good company I’ve heard wifh high pay and some SIU inalnd tugs. Crowley is the largest maritime employer and supposedly a mixed bag of good and shit shows whom also h… --- ## [History of Foss Maritime](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/history-of-foss-maritime/71590)
**Author:** [@ombugge](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/ombugge)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2025, 12:44am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/history-of-foss-maritime/71590 "2025-01-14T00:44:37Z")
Did you know how Foss Maritime got started?: --- ## [Unknown tug](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/unknown-tug/70661)
**Author:** [@ombugge](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/ombugge)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2024, 5:01pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/unknown-tug/70661 "2024-09-14T17:01:59Z")
Unknown US Tug: Anybody know the name and details? --- ## [Tug boat working hours](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/tug-boat-working-hours/69898)
**Author:** [@nasser](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/nasser)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2024, 1:25pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/tug-boat-working-hours/69898 "2024-06-28T13:25:04Z")
Tugboat is working on Regional water. Seamans working hours: Are sailors required to remain on the tug for 24 h after the end of working hours 8-12 h per day ? Pls answer with proof --- ## [Oicnw](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/oicnw/69899)
**Author:** [@Mbadeaux](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Mbadeaux)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2024, 10:28am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/oicnw/69899 "2024-06-24T10:28:10Z")
Am i able to get an OICNW endorsement with only holding a Mate of Towing? If not, what is the minimum requirement to get the endorsement? --- ## [Advantages of Deadships Towing Astern](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/advantages-of-deadships-towing-astern/65093)
**Author:** [@Meme.Lord](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Meme.Lord)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2024, 5:05pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/advantages-of-deadships-towing-astern/65093 "2024-05-07T17:05:37Z")
Good day all, Today I did a deep dive into deadship/flatship towing, and I am confused. Both the Livingstone brothers in Tug Use Offshore in Bays and Rivers, and Mr. Slesinger in Ship Handling with Tugs, indicate that … --- ## [Escort Tug operations](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/escort-tug-operations/69043)
**Author:** [@ombugge](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/ombugge)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2024, 11:09am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/escort-tug-operations/69043 "2024-04-22T11:09:31Z")
Here is an opinion on Escort Tug Operation: PS\> Lots of comments as well. --- ## [Inland GL TOAR](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/inland-gl-toar/68714)
**Author:** [@bell47](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/bell47)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2024, 3:20pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/inland-gl-toar/68714 "2024-03-13T15:20:06Z")
Has anyone completed an Inland/GL TOAR at Seamans Church in Paducah? I only need the elements that arent on the NC TOAR that i already have. So its like 23 elements. Any info you can share like cost, or a decent place to… --- ## [Most powerful tugs](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/most-powerful-tugs/9901)
**Author:** [@captain\_pao](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/captain_pao)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2024, 1:26am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/most-powerful-tugs/9901 "2024-03-07T01:26:52Z")
Does anyone know of a database of tugs by BHP or tons BP? I've been telling people that I work on the most powerful z-drive in the world for a while now, but I don't know if any new ones have been built with more power.… --- ## [Question about tugs with unequal time](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/question-about-tugs-with-unequal-time/68046)
**Author:** [@426hemi](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/426hemi)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2024, 11:38pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/question-about-tugs-with-unequal-time/68046 "2024-01-07T23:38:43Z")
I’m seeing more and more tugs running unequal time on such as 45 days on and 15 days off. My question is what happens during the 15 days off? Is the tug laid up, does a separate yard crew do maintenance, or is there a cr… --- ## [Day Boat Operations](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/day-boat-operations/66398)
**Author:** [@chumbucket](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/chumbucket)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2024, 2:12pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/day-boat-operations/66398 "2024-01-07T14:12:57Z")
Anyone heard of or had any day boat operations or tug jobs in general that allow you to get off the boat when work is slow? If so is it normally a weekday job or do they still go with a week on/week off, 2/2, 3/3 etc wo… --- ## [Hydrogen powered tug](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/hydrogen-powered-tug/57773)
**Author:** [@ombugge](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/ombugge)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2023, 10:13pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/hydrogen-powered-tug/57773 "2023-10-29T22:13:33Z")
--- ## [Another TOAR question](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/another-toar-question/66626)
**Author:** [@hookedup](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/hookedup)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2023, 11:28am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/another-toar-question/66626 "2023-09-26T11:28:42Z")
I currently hold have a 200T MOT for inland and WR. I’d like to get add 200ton mate of towing NC. At first I thought I just needed to take the Nav Gen: NC and the Nav Problems: NC but now I believe I need to take the tes… --- ## [25’11” pushboat sea time](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/25-11-pushboat-sea-time/66795)
**Author:** [@426hemi](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/426hemi)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2023, 4:35pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/25-11-pushboat-sea-time/66795 "2023-08-09T16:35:31Z")
Does this sea time running these under 26 foot pushboats count for anything? I work for a marine construction company, I work on their tug, but it rarely sails except at the end of a job to move the equipment to the next… --- ## [Long tows](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/long-tows/65756)
**Author:** [@Lee\_Shore](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Lee_Shore)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2023, 10:54am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/long-tows/65756 "2023-03-31T10:54:42Z")
10 or 11 barges is a long unit. I remember watching tugs pushing a half dozen barges struggling to avoid burrying the lead barge into the bank on tight bends or to enter locks on the Texas ICW and occasionally causing … --- ## [Oceans TOAR?](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/oceans-toar/43318)
**Author:** [@fishyluke](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/fishyluke)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2023, 12:08pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/oceans-toar/43318 "2023-03-19T12:08:48Z")
A shipmate of mine just completed a C-Nav course. He already holds a 1600 GRT Master NC and Master of T/V NC.... The lady at the NMC told him to get MOTV Oceans he now has to complete an "Oceans TOAR" and pass the appren… --- ## [Vane Brothers towing](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/vane-brothers-towing/13803)
**Author:** [@fluckey](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/fluckey)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2014, 7:52am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/vane-brothers-towing/13803 "2014-12-31T07:52:17Z")
Could anyone give me an idea on what kind of company Vane Brothers is to work for? I am thinking of sending them a resume. Any insight good or bad would be appreciated. Thanks --- ## [Best tug company to get a start](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/best-tug-company-to-get-a-start/65596)
**Author:** [@bell47](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/bell47)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2023, 9:07pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/best-tug-company-to-get-a-start/65596 "2023-03-11T21:07:34Z")
Hey guys, I want to make a move. I was a river tankerman for a couple years, then an AB/Tankerman for Vane Bros for a bit. Been working on ferrys the last bunch of years. I have a 500ton Inland and GL master, 200NC mate… [Next page](https://forum.gcaptain.com/c/maritime-topics/tugs-towing/40.md?page=1)