TOWING TURN THEORY TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE LATEST ADVANCEMENTS IN THEORY AND PRACTICE
https://doi.org/10.33815/2313-4763.2026.1.32.114-129
Abstract
The object of the study is the process of turning vessels during towing. The article is devoted to finding out the position of the base points of the vessel's turn during towing. At least two units take part in towing: the tug and the towed object. The positions of the base points are different for each of the participants in the towing process. The trajectory of the towing caravan depends on the position of the base points. First, the base points for the tug and for the towed object are determined. It turns out that when towing, during the turn, the tug can expect serious dangers: girding and the position "in irons", which can lead to the tug tipping over. When comparing previous sources on this issue, it turns out that the process of turning during towing was not considered in the way that the modern substantive model of vessel turning suggests. In addition to determining the basic turning points of all towing participants, there is a need to find out how the tugboat, the towed object and the towing line will move. This also affects the water area occupied by the towing caravan when turning. Which affects the safety of navigation. An accident that occurred with an anchor handling tugboat due to girding is also considered. The conclusions show the position of the base turning points during towing and the change of their positions during various maneuvers, including in dangerous situations of "girding" and "in irons". IMO recommendations are provided for the prevention of these situations along with guidance on actions to be taken if you get into a "in irons" position.
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