Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01173:body:0:p111
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01173
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 286987–289701

be aware that coils of pendant wire fouling an anchor may move sharply as they are cleared. Clearing should be accomplished as much as possible using tuggers and other mechanical means.

Pendant wires that have been cleared from a fouled anchor should be closely inspected by an officer of the vessel for damage before a decision is made as to whether they are suitable for use. If there is damage to the wire sufficient to render it suspect, the wire should be marked 'Out of Service' and returned to the installation.

21.6 Towing
Towing can be hazardous. Offshore personnel should be aware of the operational limitations of the various vessels, including their power and freeboard.

Vessel owners must ensure that vessels involved in towing operations, together with their equipment, are fit for the purpose and adequately manned by competent personnel.

The person in command of the towing vessel must prepare a detailed passage plan taking into account water depth, other offshore or subsea facilities and emergency locations or refuges which may be needed.

A safe method of passing the main towing pendant from the installation to the towing vessel should be established. A system to prevent tow-line chafing should be used.

As soon as the towing vessel is connected and starts towing operations, winches on the vessel being towed (if used in the towing gear) must be continuously manned during the initial stages of the tow and be under control of the person in command of the towing vessel.

Clear Decks

Once the tow is safely connected, the crew should 'clear the deck' and stay clear until the tow is streamed to towing length and the person in command authorizes fitting of chafing gear or other necessary maintenance.

Vessels involved in towing should have decks as clear as possible with no cargo or other equipment encroaching on the area of the deck covered by the tow wire between its extremes of possible movement.

Towing Equipment

The towing equipment should be inspected by a competent officer of the vessel before connection to ensure that there are no apparent defects that may affect the safety of the tow.

The main towing equipment must be of sufficient size and construction as recommended by the rig/barge builder. The power of the towing vessel and size of the towed vessel gear should be taken into account. As a guide, the towed vessel bridle and forerunner should be larger and stronger than the towing vessel tow-wire.

The bridle and fore-runner should be long enough to allow the towing vessel room to manoeuvre while connecting and disconnecting and there should be an effective and safe means of passing/recovering the gear to/from the towing vessel.

The securing points