4 Tows should exhibit the navigation lights, shapes
and, if manned, make the sound signals required by the International
Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended. Due
consideration should be given to the reliability of the lights and
sound signals and their ability to function for the duration of the
voyage. When practicable, a duplicate system of lights should be provided.
5 Prior to sailing, the watertight integrity of
the tow should be confirmed by an inspection of the closing arrangements
for all hatches, valves, airpipes, and other openings through which
water might enter the towed unit and affect its stability. It should
also be confirmed that any watertight doors or other closing arrangements
within the hull are securely closed and that any portable closing
plates are in place.
6 The securing arrangements and weather protection
for the cargo, equipment and stores carried on the tow should be carefully
examined to ensure that they are adequate for the voyage.
7 When appropriate, the rudder should be secured
in the amidships position and measures taken to prevent the propeller
shaft from turning.
8 The tow should be at a suitable draught and
suitably trimmed for the intended voyage.
9 The tow should have adequate intact stability
in all the loaded and ballast conditions expected during the voyage.
10 The tow should be equipped with an anchor,
suitable for holding the tow in severe weather conditions, that is
securely attached to a chain cable or wire and is arranged for release
in an emergency either by persons on the tow or boarding the tow for
this purpose, unless rendered impractical due to the design or condition
of the towed unit.
11 Life-saving appliances in the form of lifejackets
and lifebuoys should be provided whenever personnel are likely to
be on board the tow even if only for short periods. When personnel
are expected to remain on board for longer periods of time, liferafts
should also be provided. Whenever the tow is continually manned, the
riding-crew should be provided with adequate supplies of food and
water, cooking and sanitary facilities, radio equipment, including
means of communication with the towing ship, distress signals, life-saving
and fire-fighting appliances.
12 Boarding facilities should be rigged on each
side of the tow so that personnel from the towing ship can board at
any time.
13 Every towed unit, whether manned or not, should
be provided with a certificate confirming its fitness to be towed.
14 To reduce the risk of pollution, the amount
of oil carried on the tow should be limited to what is required for
the safety of the tow and/or towing ship and for their normal operations,
provided no risk to the environment will result from the removal of
oil from the towed unit.