MAR Maritime Towage

Vessel towing has the potential to be catastrophic for not only the vessel being towed but also the towing vessel and the environment. Specific skills around vessel towing methods, towing equipment selection and required communications between vessels during towing operations is critical to the safety of vessels and all crew members onboard. Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the maritime industry have requested the development of vocational skills in direct response to commercial vessel towing incidents that have recently occurred in Australian waters.

The Maritime Industry Reference Committee (IRC) proposed this project to develop a new Maritime Towing Skill Set and three new Units of Competency. The project’s outcomes will enable seafarers to attain the required skills and knowledge to safely tow other vessels under routine and emergency conditions. It will also incorporate environmental planning considerations, risk management procedures and safe maritime towing practices to ensure AMSA regulatory compliance.

The Maritime IRC will have oversight of this project, which will be facilitated by Australian Industry Standards (AIS) in consultation with industry stakeholders. A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will be formed for this project.

Regular updates will be posted on this page throughout the life of the project.

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Industry Manager Klausch Schmidt.

Project Deliverables

The project will develop:

• One new Skill Set and
• Three new Units of Competency that provide the required skills and knowledge to safely tow other vessels under routine and emergency conditions.

It will also incorporate environmental planning considerations, risk management procedures and safe maritime towing practices to ensure AMSA regulatory compliance.