Harmonised regulatory framework for tugs: a clearer horizon

摘要

Back in 2006, Robert Allan presented a paper at the International Tug & Salvage (ITS) Convention in Rotterdam which started with the following line: "There is a diverse array of rules and regulations that govern the design and construction of tugs around the world today". That was spot on. The paper continued with a plea for harmonisation of international regulations for the design and operation of tugs. Classification societies Bureau Veritas (BV), Lloyds Register of Shipping and ABS responded to the challenge, deciding to set up a joint work programme on the harmonisation of safety-critical regulations within the scope of the MARIN-initiated SAFETUG Ⅱ joint industry project, which provided research data for establishing design loads, as well as valuable input and feedback from the project partners. The first draft text was issued at the ITS Convention in 2010 in Vancouver. After performing several rounds of industry consultation and revision, BV released the "Safety Guidelines for Design, Construction and Operation of Tugs" in June 2014 at the ITS Convention in Hamburg, accompanied by a conference paper.