Tug Inspection
A Tug is essentially a marine CRAFT having several applications. It is used to assist ships in berthing and unberthing. Ships due to its large size have limited maneuvering abilities. In confined waters such as ports tugs due to its good pulling and pushing abilities and stable configuration, can assist the ships in berthing and unberthing as per the instructions of the port pilot.
Tugs are also used for pushing and pulling non propelled barge. The size of the barges pulled or pushed depend on the horsepower of the engines of the tugs. Tugs are also used for providing logistic support for offshore installations like oil platforms, rigs etc. Tugs are also used for salvage as well as Towing ships stranded in high seas to safety.
There are various types of Tug surveys. Like for example, pre-purchase survey, Hull and Machinery survey, P & I survey and damage surveys.
Pre-purchase surveys are conducted for a prospective buyer who intends to purchase an existing tug.
Hull and Machinery condition and pre risk surveys are conducted from the insurance point of view ie to assess the condition of the tug’s hull and machineries
P & I condition survey are also conducted from the insurance point of view. It is basically concerned with assessment third party risks like for eg. claims from port installation and infrastructure due to damages from the tugs, claims regarding oil pollution in the sea, claims from the personal on board the tugs due to injuries or ill health etc.
Damage surveys are conducted to assess the cause and
extent of damage suffered by the tug attributed due to a
particular incident and often make a fair assessment of
the repair costs.
Tugs usually have most of the machineries that a ship has
the essential difference is that they are small and compact
in size. For propulsion they use diesel engines usually
four stroke. Usually two propulsion engines are used port
and starboard , connected to propellers through reduction
gear . Electrical Power generation is achieved by means
of diesel generators connected to alternators. They are
usually three in number. Many of the tugs have azimuth thrusters
for better maneuverability .On the deck there is a towing
winch used for towing .On the fore part of the tug is a
windlass used for anchoring.
A tug inspection consists of inspection of ship’s documents for eg review of the flag and class certificates, review of the SMS management system, review of the planned maintenance system for ship’s equipment and machineries, review of fire and safety equipment’s documentation. Review of the deck and engine logbooks, oil record book, document review of the overhaul of ship’s machineries etc.
Checks and visual inspection on bridge equipment, engine room machineries, fire and safety equipment, deck equipment, of deck and hull.
This is where Constellation Marine Services LLC come in. With over 25000 nominations and a good track record for the last 13 years, Constellation is well placed to do the above inspections and surveys efficiently and effectively. With a satisfied clientele and a name in the industry, we can achieve greater milestones in the years to come.
At constellation Marine services, we are committed to offer our clients bespoke solutions and services to any requirement, through its propriety offices located all across the UAE, and its knowledge and expertise of its staff which is second to none.