Working on inland waterways is an inherently dangerous profession, and tugboat and barge workers are especially susceptible to danger. There’s huge potential for danger across the industry, but some accidents are more common than others because of the inherent dangers.
Stranding and foundering are probably the most common losses experienced by tugs and barges. This is usually caused by one or a combination of factors such as engine failure, underpowered tug, outdated navigation charts, and towline or related tow gear failure. Capsizing is also commonly attributable to some of the above factors and sometimes caused by inadequate stow and/or securing of cargo which compromises stability or structural failure.
Another common accident would be a collision with other vessels. This is commonly caused by crew negligence, poor watchkeeping, inadequate display of lights and shapes by tugboat and/or barge, and defective navigation aids.
Others include fire losses, typically caused by poor housekeeping, unsafe practice, crew negligence, inadequate/poorly maintained fire-fighting equipment, and/or nature of cargo (inherent vice). In certain regions, piracy and hijacking is also a common occurrence; this can be caused by poor watchkeeping, poor voyage planning, and/or very little to no anti-piracy measures.
Knowing which dangers are most common and want to do to mitigate risk keeps everyone safe — on the water or off.
Tugboat Safety
Tugboats offer high horsepower speeds, large towing lines, and heavy-duty winches and drums to get the job done. Those winches are part of what makes tugboats effective at towing barges, but they’ll also be the cause of extreme on-the-job injury. Crews can get entangled in these winch wires, and all of the towing equipment causes a tripping hazard. The tugboat deck leaves room for slippery conditions, heavy lifting, crushing injuries, or falling overboard. All of these present an incredible risk of accident or even death.
Barge Safety
Just as on tugboats, there’s no shortage of dangers on a barge. Fires can easily happen on deck barges, and you need to have prevention measures and tools to extinguish fires if they do pop up. Surface conditions should be ideal, coated in non-slip surfaces, and free of obstructions that could cause a fall overboard. Deck barges are confined spaces with limited room for movement, and the equipment being used on-board needs to be properly maintained to avoid mechanical-related accidents.
Safety On The Water
There are dangers to navigate as you travel the inland waterways too and there’s no match for the elements of nature. Large-scale vessels like barges on shallow waterways create suction that impacts vessel maneuverability. Barges must also frequently pass by each other in tight spaces like canals or narrow rivers. Operators must be highly trained to avoid collisions and handle them in case of emergency. Lack of preparation could leave cargo damaged or worse, barge worker injury.
On The Docks
Barge docks are primarily used for one of two reasons — loading or unloading — and built for cargo and not necessarily for people. Falling into the water is a big risk for employees working on docks, and even robust safety gear like a life jacket can’t protect against getting pinned between a dock and a vessel. Constant motion from barges on the water, movement of pedestrian traffic, and limited space are additional factors that complicate working on the dock. Create a checklist that addresses the following areas:
- The gangway is maintained, repaired, and secured
- Each side of the gangway has a railing with a minimum height of 33 inches
- Rails are made of wood, pipe, chain, wire, or rope and are kept taut
- Each gangway is properly trimmed and equipped with midrails
- The walkway is provided if the gangway foot is more than 1’ away from the apron edge
- Supporting bridles are kept clear and drafts of cargo do not pass over the access point
Continuing training and creating a culture of safety can go a long way towards reducing and even eliminating hazards. Ensure that your crew is certified to work on the specific vessel being operated, and there’s clear communication about what everyone will do in case of emergency.
You also need to ensure that your barges, tugboats, and docks are outfitted with the right tools and gear to maintain that culture of safety. Work with a barge supply company that has experience with tugboat and barge safety solutions, and can provide top-quality expertise and products. Archway Marine Lighting has been working with barge fleet and maritime decision-makers for over 30 years, and we can help provide these safety tools.
FAQs
The Confined or enclosed spaces on barges may have an atmosphere that is unsafe, causing injury or death. The main hazards include: oxygen deficiency, explosive or flammable atmospheres, and atmospheres containing toxic compounds.
Why is a tug towing a barge with a long tow cable very hazardous? ›
One of the unique features of a tugboat is the system of winches or tow drums and steel cables that allow the boat to tow barges around. These systems pose a particular danger to crew members, as the crew could get entangled in the steel wires while the wires are in motion or be hit by a wire that parts.
What should you never do when you encounter a tugboat and its toe? ›
Never pass between a tug and its tow. To avoid this and to keep from getting caught on the towline (or worse), you must be alert for the special shapes and lights displayed by vessels towing barges, other vessels or objects. The towing vessel is usually more visible than its tow.
Is working on a tugboat a good job? ›
Job security: Because tugboats are essential for transporting goods, you're often in high demand as an employee. This means that you can often enjoy job security. Bond with your coworkers: Tugboat crews often work in close quarters for weeks at a time.
What are the hazards of marine transportation? ›
Marine transportation workers face a variety of unique work hazards. 12 Physical hazards include noise levels, vibration, ultraviolet light exposure, line handling, heavy lifting, slippery surfaces, steep ladders, and narrow passageways, and can be exacerbated by severe weather conditions.
What does OSHA require in the vicinity of each barge? ›
The employer shall ensure that there is in the vicinity of each barge in use at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved 30-inch lifering with not less than 90 feet of line attached, and at least one portable or permanent ladder which will reach the top of the apron to the surface of the water.
What is the difference between a tugboat and a barge? ›
Barges, on which cargoes are shipped, are usually non self-propelled and therefore dependent on a tug for propulsion; where the tug is the prime mover for the barge, connected to the barge using a towline. Distance between both can reach 200 metres and more.
What is the danger of crossing between a tug and its tow? ›
If you run over a towing line or trailing line, you could capsize your pleasure craft. For safety: Never pass between a tug and its tow. Allow extra space when operating around a tug and its tow.
How many barges can a tugboat pull? ›
A typical River tow might be 35 to 42 barges, each about 200 feet (61 m) long by 35 feet (11 m) wide, configured in a rectangular shape 6 to 7 barges long and 5 to 6 barges wide, depending on the number of barges in tow.
Is it hard to become a tug boat captain? ›
Becoming a tugboat Captain is a multi-step process that takes several years. This is a job that comes with great responsibility and high standards, and gaining experience at all levels on deck takes time and effort.
Direct towing is performed at low speeds from about zero to 4 - 5 knots. The tug boat uses the engine and propellers to generate the tow force, which is governed by the conventional bollard pull of the tug. Indirect towing is performed at speeds of in the range of 5 to 12 knots.
What does tripping a tug mean? ›
Girting may also be referred to as girthing, tripping or girding. A towline under tension will exert a heeling moment on the tug if the line is secured around amidships and is leading off towards the beam.
What is the salary of a tug pilot? ›
As of Jul 7, 2024, the average annual pay for a Tugboat Captain in California is $95,685 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $46.00 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,840/week or $7,973/month.
How much does an ocean tug boat captain get paid? ›
Is it hard being a deckhand? ›
It is essential to understand your duties and responsibilities before searching for a job as a deckhand. Being a deckhand is a physically demanding career requiring hard work and determination.
What are the disadvantages of barges? ›
In the case of river barge transportation, it is much slower (so is not recommended for perishable goods), it is costly and time-consuming for short distance transport, and river levels and conditions can create potential shipping issues.
What are the hazards to vessel? ›
Extreme weather affects the safety onboard.
- Extreme Weather. Extreme weather will make loose items move around and create a hazard for the personnel. ...
- Lack of Oxygen. ...
- Hydrocarbon and Toxic Gases. ...
- Fire or Explosion. ...
- Collision, Grounding, Flooding or Sinking can be caused by:
- Pirates and Stowaways.
Sweeter and quieter river navigation than on seas and oceans
On rivers, the effects of the wind are less. Pitch and roll are therefore much less important, if not non-existent. Similarly, on these waterways, speed is reduced. This reduces the risk of being sick on board a barge without a licence.
What are the physical hazards of ships? ›
Being injured by moving machinery, crushed by falling objects, or burned by contact with hot equipment or steam are all possibilities. Passing out from poor air quality, carbon monoxide, toxic fumes, or simple lack of oxygen could happen. Falls go unnoticed because there is low lighting and lack of visibility.
