The British Tugowners Association (BTA), the UK Maritime Pilots’ Association (UKMPA), and the Workboat Association (WA) have come together to release Gog Ropes: Industry Advice, a comprehensive new guidance document aimed at enhancing safety in conventional towage operations.
Unveiled at the recent Annual General Meeting and Safety Seminar of both Associations, this jointly developed publication marks a significant step forward in strengthening industry-wide standards for rope use and towage safety.
The guidance provides clear, practical recommendations for the safe and effective use of gog ropes on conventional tugs. Developed collaboratively with input from operators, manufacturers, and safety experts, it integrates lessons learned from Marine Accident Investigation Branch recommendations and insights gained following the tragic sinking of CMS Biter. By consolidating best practice into a single, accessible resource, the document addresses the need for consistent, sector-wide standards in rope handling and operational safety.
Key Focus Areas include:
- Preventing Girting: Advice on gog rope systems to mitigate one of the leading causes of tug capsizes.
- Operational Best Practice: Principles of conventional towage, management of towing points, communication protocols, and safe speed guidance.
- Stability Awareness: Practical insight into vessel stability, supported by case studies and illustrations relevant to masters, pilots, and port authorities.
- Rope Inspection and Management: Clear guidance for the safe use, inspection, and ongoing management of ropes across the workboat and tug sectors.
The publication underscores a shared commitment by the three organisations to reducing risk in high-consequence towage operations, improving operational resilience, and promoting safer practices across the maritime industry. It highlights the essential role of effective communication and appropriate speed management during towage, aiming to support crews and operators in maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
The Gog Rope Guidance Document is now publicly available on the WA and BTA websites and will be widely promoted across the maritime sector. Training sessions and workshops are also available to support its implementation and integration into daily operations, and can be booked via the Workboat Association.
