ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREA coupling device is described for snugglylinking a tug to a barge to form an integrated tug-barge vessel; a housing is provided at the stern endof the barge while a linkage is provided at the bowend of the tug. The linkage includes a lever havingone end pivotally connected to the tug and an arm havingone end pivotally connected to the lever and theopposite end freely movable to be engaged in the housingmeans of the barge; a double acting actuator is mountedto the tug and operable in a first position to permitengagement of the opposite end of the arm in thehousing and to draw the tug toward the barge to there-by effect integrated coupling therebetween; theactuator is operable in a second position to push anddistance the tug away from the barge thereby permittingdisengagement of the tug from the barge.
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