Over the years numerous harbor tugs have capsized, often with tragic consequences. Stability is a complex subject and mainly a specialism of naval architects. Tug masters seldom have this detailed knowledge – yet they experience the effects of a tug’s stability every day when maneuvering their tug, either free sailing or when assisting ships.

It is, therefore, not just desirable but necessary for tug masters to have at least a basic idea of the elements of stability. They need to know where the limits are, and what the consequences could be, if tug handling practices don’t conform to the rules of stability in normal circumstances and also when extreme conditions such as dense fog and storms occur. Furthermore, a tug’s stability is not a static condition but can change with every moment. These various factors could combine to affect stability in a negative way and may even culminate in a very dangerous situation for the tug.

In writing this handbook, master mariner and pilot Captain Henk Hensen and naval architect Dr Markus van der Laan have focused on the practical aspects of stability, tug design and equipment and also on the consequences of unsafe procedures. Their emphasis is on harbor tugs, although several of the topics covered apply equally to seagoing tugs.