First published in 1997 ‘Tug Use in Port’ has been known for over two decades as the ‘tug bible’ – the essential practical guide to port towage and escort operations. Significant developments in port towage have taken place since then – new tug types have come on to the market and escort tugs have been developed further also with regard to the conditions that these tugs have to cope with.

The loading of merchant vessels has changed drastically over the years. The big shore gangs have been replaced by cranes and conveyer belts and only a foreman and a crane driver load the vessel. In some cases, the vessel’s crew is expected to conduct loading operations themselves.

Although seafarers undergo regular medical examinations, a crew member may unexpectedly fall ill or become injured as a result of an accident on board. If this occurs seafarers will have to rely on themselves for medical care and treatment – professional medical assistance or facilities are far away. For this reason ‘Medical Care’ and ‘Medical First Aid’ are important elements of the STCW. A STCW certificate is mandatory for all seafarers in order to be able to deal with these situations accordingly.