Should the Captain of the Port impose restrictions?

[OBXmariner]

@"Kennebec Captain"

Yes, what you’re describing is common amongst experienced boat handlers. In ports where the assist tug is not reliable I’ve seen (single screw ship) the pilots have the tug push the bow in at a constant bell while using the bow thruster thrusting off, varying the thruster to “throttle” the force of the tug. It makes for a smooth landing. I don’t see the use of a thruster as demonstrating lack of skill or a crutch though it can be in some cases. It’s true that misreading a situation and having to use a heavy hand on the thruster to correct doesn’t impress the peanut gallery

So true sir. But if yah got em use em, by all means smoke those thrusters!