Notification of planned tows
28 Notification of planned tows
The owner or master of a vessel that is to tow in a planned tow must ensure that AMSA is notified of the planned tow at least 7 days before the tow commences.
Note 1 For the definition of planned tow - see section 4.
Note 2 For a planned tow, notification might be made by the registered agent, the operator of the towing vessel, or the P&I insurer.
Note 3 For guidance about planning safe tows - see IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.884 Guidelines for safe ocean towing.
Note 4 For ways of contacting AMSA - see AMSA's website at http://www.amsa.gov.au.
The owner or master of a vessel that is to tow in a planned tow must:
implement arrangements for a safe towage operation including:
completion of satisfactory stability assessment; and
adequate towing equipment; and
appropriate manning; and
crew familiarization with responsibilities and duties; and
safe transfer of personnel to and from tow, if applicable; and
weather forecasting and assessment of environmental conditions; and
emergency and contingency planning; and
adequate cargo securing, if applicable; and
provide any information that AMSA requests in relation to the planned tow.
Note 1 Examples of information are:
1. Vessel stability information
2. A towing survey report
3. Seafarer certificates of competency and experience in undertaking a tow
4. Vessel certificates.
Note 2 An inspector may issue a prohibition notice about the conduct of the planned tow if the inspector believes on reasonable grounds that it would involve a serious risk to the health or safety of a person - see section 267 of the Navigation Act. An inspector may also issue directions or if the inspector believes a person is not complying with requirements - see section 264 of the Act.
AMSA may conduct, or arrange for the conduct of, a towing assessment for the planned tow.
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