Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01173:body:0:p113
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01173
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 291906–294559

adequate for the intended tow.

Any machinery that may be fitted to the vessel to be towed should be inspected to ensure that side valves, watertight doors and any other hull openings are closed and that the towed vessel is in all respects ready for the proposed tow, properly ballasted and trimmed.

The reserve towing gear should be rigged so that it can be recovered by the tug crew without having to board the tow. This normally means a floating line streamed astern of the tow connected to the reserve towing gear.

21.7 Barge Work
Safe access and egress between the vessel and barge must be provided if assistance with mooring is needed. Movement of the floating vessel and barge can cause movement of the gangway, thus increasing the risk of workers falling or being injured. A small boat may be used to transport personnel to the barge and provide access via a barge ladder.

Hipping up

Hipping up to the barge for close handling work requires considerable tension to be applied to the tug mooring lines if it is to be done effectively. The crew must be properly briefed prior to hipping up so that they are aware of the particular hazards associated with this operation.

Hipping up at sea presents additional hazards due to movement caused by sea and swell and deck crew should exercise great care when handling mooring lines to avoid injuries.

Consideration must be given to the limitations imposed by the shape of the vessel and the effect that any movement in the seaway will have on the safety of the operation. In most circumstances, support vessels are not designed with sufficiently straight sides and bow or with sufficient structural strength in this area to allow hipping up vessels in a situation where movement in the seaway between the vessels may occur.

High Wire Hazard

Crews must be made aware of the hazard presented by a high wire when working close to a barge with a high bow and short bridle and fore-runner. This may cause the towing gear to rise and fall from the work deck if weight unexpectedly comes on the wire during connection/disconnection. No attempt should be made to work on the wire while it is off the deck or when there is any weight on the gear.

   22.                        Other specific vessel types
This section provides further guidance on additional hazards relevant to specific types of vessels.

22.1 Bulk carriers and bulk cargoes
Requirements for bulk cargoes are set out in:
       * Marine Order 33: Cargo and cargo handling - grain
       * Marine Order 34: Solid bulk cargoes
       * Marine Order 35: Additional safety measures for bulk carriers
       * International Maritime Solid