A few days ago, I had a conversation regarding Towing vessels and the subject of Canadian vessels came up. More specifically, the following
[B]What is usual for a Canadian Towing vessel, i.e. crew quarters, size of crew, who cooks, etc…[/B]
Here is a quick summary of the responses from the American side of things
An ATB usually has a 7 man crew (maybe more for international runs 8 or 9).
On most, the Deckhands share a room. Usually the Tankerman share too. But that depends upon the company and the particular vessel.
Most refurbished ATBs that are converted from a conventional tug have shared rooms. With only the Capt, Chief Mate and Engineer having thier own room. - Most of the new ATBs have seperate rooms for all. But again, that depends upon the company and particular vessel.
Most vessels nowaday have either a treadmill or an elipiticle. Crew health and fitness is a HUGE issue.
I don’t know about Canadian ATBs, but just about all US ATBs the deckhand does the cooking (as well as the deck job for one meal a day. The other two meals are help yourself.
The small harbor tugs in New West in BC are two man boats. 12hr shifts from what I have seen. The coastal tugs vary on the west coast most seem to have a capt and mate with 2 deckhands and 1 engineer. On any new build tug the quarters for crew must be built above the waterline as well I believe.
Over 50ft up to 90 ft In length between perpendiculars
All accommodations space to be above the deepest water line.
All sleeping rooms to be on/or above the main deck.
Officers shall be be accommodated in single berth rooms.
All sleeping rooms to be single occupancy where practicable.
Over 90 ft
All sleeping rooms to be situated on or above the main deck.
All sleeping rooms to be single berth rooms.
All accommodations space to be situated on/or above the main deck.
All single berth rooms shall be min.50 sq feet .
Every sleeping room shall have at least 1 window at least 18 in.
This contractually for all west coast vessels ,wether the vessel is built new or bought from outside Canada these standards must be met.
Sounds like for Guild (union) boats. A multitude are rule beaters and you get what they (owners) can get away with. Ex. A under 5T provincially registered tug only operating in BC waters may sail with a crew of one for any length voyage. A compass is about all that’s required. Most sail with 2 or at most 3. The most blatant example were 40’ 999hp zero registered tonnage. Loophole now closed.