An engine or rudder failure, a health problem on board, or even grounding, are just some of the situations that can lead a yachtsman to request assistance in towing his or her boat. Although the idea of finding oneself in difficulty at sea may seem alarming, good preparation and the right reflexes can help you tackle a tow with serenity. Here are the steps to follow to ensure a smooth operation.
Request a tow: know who to contact
In the event of a major problem on board, the natural reflex is to call for help. However, this is not simply a matter of "asking for a tow". The first step is to contact the CROSS on VHF radio channel 16 and send a PAN PAN. They will assess the situation and determine whether towing is necessary.
The priority is to ensure the safety of everyone on board. Indeed, the CROSS and the SNSM focus first and foremost on saving human lives, before dealing with the boat in difficulty. As a first step, therefore, you will be asked to provide precise information on the state of health of the crew, and to ensure that everyone is wearing a lifejacket.
Preparing information: communication with the tugboat
Clear, detailed communication is essential during a towing operation. Once everyone is safe, it's essential to give the towing company as much information as possible about your boat: length, weight, hull type, model, and above all the nature of the damage (engine failure, water ingress, damaged rudder, etc.).
The more details you can provide, the better the salvors can assess the risks and ensure that the tow is carried out safely. If your boat has any structural peculiarities (fragile cleats, damaged deck), report them promptly.
Towing and assistance contracts: what are the differences?
An often overlooked but crucial step in the process is the agreement on the towing contract. Contrary to popular belief, this operation is not always free of charge. When the aim is not to save human lives, but to secure your boat, towing can be remunerated.
Towing, as defined by maritime legislation, is the action whereby the captain of a towing vessel agrees, at the request of a vessel in difficulty, to take over the direction and control of the latter. On the other hand, assistance, whether spontaneous or requested, aims to intervene with a vessel threatened with loss, whether the danger is immediate or potential.
In both cases, these operations are not free of charge. Towing involves the signing of a service rental contract, with a fixed fee based on the means used, the distance to be covered and the size of the vessel. It is therefore crucial to check with your insurer whether your contract covers this type of situation. At sea, several players can offer towing services, but the choice of tug is exclusively up to the applicant.
Assistance, on the other hand, involves a different calculation of remuneration. The amount due to the assistant takes into account precise criteria such as the risks involved, the efforts made, the means deployed, as well as the value of the goods rescued. This type of intervention can therefore entail higher remuneration than simple towing.
Any vessel in the vicinity may offer towing or assistance, but the yachtsman is free to accept or refuse the offer, provided the refusal is justified and reasonable. When a request for assistance or towing is made, the CROSS will broadcast a radio message to summon help in the area.
The terms of payment for towing or assistance must then be negotiated directly between the claimant and the intervening party, be it a private company, a private individual, government services or the SNSM.
Read: Towing at sea isn't free!
Safety first: tug checks
Before towing, the lifeboat will make several passes around your boat. The aim is to detect any additional problems you may be unaware of, such as unreported water ingress or a weak point in the hull.
It is important not to undertake any maneuvers without instructions from the tug, so as not to disrupt the operation. If necessary, lifeguards will come on board to ensure that everything is in order and to check safety equipment.
Mooring point and trailer attachment
Securing the towed boat is a critical step. The solidity of mooring points is often called into question, especially on small boats or RIBs. The SNSM recommends always having a line pre-attached to the bow chainplate, the strongest point of the structure, to facilitate the passage of the trailer.
If the front mooring points seem insufficient or too weak, rescuers can use other options, such as winches or rear cleats. The most important thing is that the trailer pulls the boat in line, to avoid any deviation or risk of breakage. Once the trailer is in place, the tug gradually pulls away to gradually tension the line, reducing the risk of breakage or sudden jerks.
During towing: stay out of harm's way
During towing, shocks may occur as the trailer is tensioned. It is therefore imperative that all crew remain inside the boat. Should the trailer break under tension, it could whip around dangerously, injuring anyone on deck.
The role of the lifeguards on board is also to adjust the towline according to swell and wind conditions. They can install drag lines, such as fenders or weighted ropes, at the stern of the boat to slow its movement when the tug's speed varies, or to stabilize it in rough seas.
End of towing: back to port
The towing operation is usually completed at the entrance to a harbor or in a secure anchorage area. The tug will then come alongside your boat to finalize the maneuver and guide you to your location. The towing contract is officially considered complete once your boat is safely sheltered from the elements.
In some cases, such as with the SNSM, payment for towing can be made on the spot, by credit card. It's always a good idea to remember that lifeguards at sea are volunteers, and a simple thank you can mean a lot to these dedicated professionals.
