- When there is lesser traffic on the outports, the ‘giants’ ply their trade by traveling from port to port.
- Given the priority to the depth of water, suitable anchorages, and weather monitoring, as tugboats reduce weather-related downtime,it is an added expense for the ship-owner.
- Tugboat crews are trained as normal seamen or officers at the Caribbean Maritime University or other certified institutions.
- The nuances of the job are highly specialized and are learned on the job.
According to The Gleaner, In the tale of the Little Engine That Could, a tiny train with a powerful engine overcomes a seemingly impossible task in pulling a larger train over a high mountain.
Little Tugboats Task – Pushing & Pulling
In the shipping industry, a dedicated team of ‘little engines’, or tugboats, carry out the task of maneuvering vessels by assisting in turning and stopping vessels in ports that can be difficult or impossible to move.
Simply, if you tried running in waist-deep water, you would soon tire from the water’s resistance.
The tug is built to overcome much of that stress by using its ‘pushing’ and ‘pulling’ capabilities. Their role in Jamaica’s shipping industry is nothing short of essential.
Navigating Harbors & Ports
Generally, when one thinks of shipping, the idea of a huge luxury cruise or cargo vessel readily comes to mind. But rarely do we consider how these wonders of the sea navigate our harbors and ports laden with oil, bauxite, produce, and other vital supplies.
“To allow for smooth harbor traffic and enable small to very large tonnage ships to safely dock and undock at wharves, tugboats are organized by requests from the master or pilot to the agent, which is relayed to the ship’s agent who, in turn, makes contact with the tugboat company,” is said by marine pilots, Roy ‘Roxy’ Fuller and Norbert Bradshaw.
Where do Giants Ply?
Currently, the port of Kingston has two tugs stationed. In the other ports around the island where traffic is much lower on the outports, these ‘giants’ ply their trade by traveling from port to port.
Testing Tugboat Power
For a tugboat captain, learning the ins and outs of managing tugs is both challenging and rewarding.
There are certain ports in Jamaica, for example, Port Kaiser, that the weather conditions are unpredictable, where the captain has to test the power of the tugboat in applying his skills to make a successful maneuver.
An average tugboat has a massive amount of horsepower.
Ships’ Calling – Assistance Increased
Historically, in Jamaica in the early 1960s, tugboats were mainly owned by overseas interests, with smaller, locally owned boats. That is converted and used as tugs. However, as the ship’s calling in the port of Kingston became greater, the need for assistance from tugs increased accordingly. By 1980, the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) purchased the first two locally owned tugs.
At present, the PAJ has contracted two tugs from the Canadian company Ocean to meet the needs of larger ships in Kingston. On the other outports, Portside Towing Limited, a local-owned company that started operations in 1992, now operates eight tugs around the island.
Impacts on Tugboat
As part of an overall push to develop port communities, a collaboration between the Government of Jamaica, the Port Authority, and other marine interests has resulted in port expansions, including the historic port of Falmouth, and new developments for the shipping industry.
Impact of Engines By the Pilots
While speaking on the improvements taking place in the sector, the pilots stressed the impact on tugboats, noting that “if you bring bigger and deeper ships into our ports, the use of the tugboats becomes more necessary than before”.
An Added Expense
Considerations must also be given to the depth of water, suitable anchorages, and weather monitoring, as tugboats reduce weather-related downtime. This would create an added expense for the shipowner or charterer.
Career Path
Watching the mechanical wonders of a tugboat first-hand, coupled with a flair for mechanical engineering, makes tugboats an attractive option for young scholars who are seeking a less traditional career path.
Becoming a Tugboat Pilot
The marine pilots shared a few words of encouragement for young persons, who are interested in becoming a tugboat pilot or crew member. That goes as –
“Tugboat crews are trained as normal seamen or officers at the Caribbean Maritime University or other certified institutions. The nuances of the job are highly specialized and are learned on the job.”
All of these operators must be certified by the Maritime Authority of Jamaica.
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Source: The Gleaner
