Although summer is coming to a close, people will still be out enjoying their time on canals, rivers and lakes as long as the weather remains nice. While this is a great way to spend your time, it’s also important for boaters to be more aware of their surroundings, especially when it comes to barges and barge towing. Most boaters do not understand the speed or strength of a tugboat pulling a barge, and this can put you, your boat and your passengers in harm’s way if you’re not careful. If you enjoy taking your boat out on waterways with barges, then be sure to use these safety tips.
Maneuverability
Remember that commercial vessels, which include barges, have the right of way. Tugboats are not easy to maneuver, and when towing a barge, it becomes extremely difficult to stop. In fact, pilots may need 1/2 to 1 mile to come to a complete stop. This is why it’s very important for you to stay out of a barge’s way. Do not cut off a barge, even if you think it’s moving slow. Also, be sure to keep enough space between you and a barge to avoid any collision.
Size
To the regular onlooker, a tugboat may seem small. What they don’t realize is that a tugboat is a sturdy craft that can cause extensive damage during a collision. When towing a barge, the extra weight can do more damage in the event of a collision. This is very important to keep in mind. If your boat has a collision with a barge, it will be worse for you and your boat than the barge. In order to keep yourself safe while on the water, be sure to stay far away from these vessels.
Visibility
There are different types of barges, and when full, some of these barges are either completely or partially underwater. If you are approaching a tugboat from behind, it’s possible that you may not see the barge being towed in front of them. If you try to pass this tugboat without being aware of the barge, you could experience a serious collision. Instead of putting yourself at risk, make sure that you pay attention to your surroundings and keep an open eye for barges whenever you see a tugboat.
Everyone on the water wants to make it home safely. By using these tips, you can ensure that you and tugboat pilots do just that.
