As you cross bridges and see tugboats and towboats moving enormous cargos, do you wonder how these operations are managed? Towing operations are now the most significant part of the U.S. merchant fleet. Throughout the country, towing is providing an economical alternative to transporting cargo by train or truck trailers. Primer of Towing brings you updated information on the modernization of this growing industry. Offshore coastwise and foreign trade is also seeing a boom. The largest independent carrier of petroleum products in the U.S. is a tug/barge operation. Major growth also is continuous in towing services, such as: - Harbor work, assisting ships to maneuver, dock, and undock in confined waters - Fleeting operations that provide moorings for inland barges - Offshore work in the "oil patch" - Anchor handling by pipe-laying barges - Salvage - Pollution control - Escort towing - Assisting dredging operations - Marine construction - Moving passenger RV tours on inland barges - Assistance towing operations This book provides information on all aspects of towing operations and related subjects. It is for avid boatmen and women interested in the diverse aspects of seamanship.

An Azimuthing Stern Drive (ASD) tug or towboat is a high-performance vessel that is responsive, quick to maneuver and extremely powerful. In the hands of a skilled operator maneuvering these vessels looks effortless and seamless--smoothly spinning around, nimbly shifting position, having pinpoint control, all while the operator's hands move the control handles instinctively and naturally. This book takes the reader through an efficient learning sequence leading to that level of proficiency. d104, illustrations and practice drills create a clear understanding of ASD maneuvering principles and assist the reader in acquiring the intuitive hands-on feel required to operate these vessels. Each chapter covers a basic maneuvering element--steering, managing speed, stopping, hovering, lateral movement--and their application to light boat, barge and ship handling. This book is the first step for a professional mariner adding a new competency to his or her art of towing--driving a Z-drive.

This edition expands the information on every vessel listed, and includes all the data previously published in Nobel Denton Towing Vessel Register. With 3500 vessels, this book provides a comprehensive, up-to-date register of supply vessel, s, anchor halders and platform supply vessels

Modern ships are larger than in previous eras but anchors have not really changed. This text examines the need to change expectations and seamanship practices with regard to this.