Assistance Towing

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Assistance Towing Course

Fees:$115; $50 with either OUPV or Masters Upgrade Course

What is Assistance Towing? It is towing a disabled vessel for consideration.

Consideration means an economic benefit, inducement, right, or profit, including pecuniary payment accruing to an individual, person, or entity

Disabled vessel means a vessel that needs assistance, whether docked, moored, anchored, aground, adrift, or under way; It does not include a barge or any other vessel not regularly operated under its own power

Every assistance towing vessel must be under the direction and control of a licensed individual authorized to engage in assistance towing under the provisions of 46 CFR 10.482.

This course covers the various aspect of assistance towing. It provides a good understanding of the topic so you can preform these duties in a safe manner. This course includes 4 hours of instructions followed with a 10-question exam.

Commercial Assistance Towing Course Outline - Explorer’s Guide LLC
Topic Hours
1 Maritime Law - Application to Assisted Towing .25
2 Watchkeeping: COLREGS and Inland Navigational Rules .75
3 Towing Forces .75
4 Towing Equipment .75
5 Towing Procedures 1.0
6 Towing Safety and Watch .50
Total Hours 4.0


Commercial Assistance Towing Course Schedule
Maritime Law - Application to Assisted Towing 8:00 - 8:15
Watchkeeping: COLREGS and Inland Navigational Rules 8:15 to 9:00
Towing Forces 9:00 to 9:45
Break 9:45 to 10:00
Towing Equipment 10:00 to 10:45
Towing Procedures 10:45 to 11:45
Towing Safety and Watch 11:45 to 12:15
Exam after Lunch