Discover state-of-the-art, engaging and flexible learning
The maritime industry is evolving faster than ever, and success today means going beyond traditional training. New technologies, updated regulations, and shifting career expectations are transforming how maritime professionals and students learn and grow. Polestar Digital Academy offers an innovative online platform designed for anyone looking to advance their knowledge, whether you’re an experienced mariner, a student starting your journey, or someone exploring a maritime career.
Our flexible, engaging courses let you access high-quality content anytime, anywhere. With a user-friendly design, the platform supports professionals, students, teachers, and employers in reaching their educational and career goals.
Whether you want to sharpen your skills, stay compliant with the latest regulations, or expand your career opportunities, Polestar Digital Academy helps you stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.
Our available e-learnings:
Tug Use in Port
E-learning for maritime professionals involved in ship handling with tugs, including (future) tug masters, pilots, and trainers. The contents of this course is based on the standard reference work ‘Tug Use in Port’ by Captain Henk Hensen. The content has been tailored for the use of this course, with input from many partners from the tug community.
Each module takes appr 30 minutes each, with knowledge questions and questions that test true understanding of the contents. The theory is enriched by many engaging images, videos and presentations that explain and visualise the theory. A dashboard allows you to plan and track your progress.
Each module costs €39,00 which gives you 12 months unlimited access.
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Contents
Module 1 – Factors influencing tug choice
This module discusses the factors that influence the choice of tugs, such as type of port or the services required in that port.
You will learn:
- Environmental conditions that impact the use of tugs
- The categories of ports and their approaches
- Different types of ships calling at ports
- Services in and around a port
Module 2 – General tug design
In this module, we will discuss the design of the tug and the specific tug elements such as fendering and towing equipement.
You will learn:
- The wheelhouse construction and layout
- The layout of the superstructure of a tug
- Hull and underwater design
- Fendering
- Towing equipment
Module 3 – Towing lines
A towline connects the tug and ship, bearing dynamic loads from their movement. This module explores the key requirements for towlines and tugs.
You will learn:
- Basic requirements
- Towline types
- Maintenance and inspection
- Composition of towing lines
- Towline length
- Safety factors
- Towline handling
Module 4 – Effective ship and tug handling
In this module we address the subject of effective ship handling with tugs, the underlying principles and aspects that have an impact on ship handling.
You will learn:
- Basic principles
- Speed and steering control
- Basic tug handling
- Environmental limitations
- Other practical aspects that impact tug and ship behaviour
The following modules will be available as from September 2025:
- Harbour tugs – propulsion aft
- Harbour tugs – propulsion forward
