A tug should never be made fast just because it is alongside or asking for a line.
The bridge must first order the connection.
This prevents the mooring station from making fast a tug when the tug is only required for pushing.
In this guide, we’ll show you what to do when a tug approaches without a clear order.
✅ Key Takeaway
Never make fast a tug line without confirmation from the bridge. A tug may approach, sound its horn, or ask for a heaving line, but the mooring station must wait for the bridge to order the connection. If the bridge says the tug is for pushing only, do not connect the tug line.
Why You Should Never Connect a Tug Without Bridge Confirmation
The mooring station must wait for a bridge order before connecting a tug.
A tug can approach the ship for several reasons. They perform various functions that ultimately help the ship. The tug may need to push the ship, or it may need to make fast with a tug’s line or ship’s line.
The deck crew may not know which operation the bridge and pilot have agreed.
That is why the connection must be confirmed first.
The bridge may have ordered a tug only for pushing or on stand by. In that case, the tug line must not be connected.
📌 Note: Towage is paid for. Your company may pay additional fees after securing the tugboat even though no instruction is given from the bridge.
👀 What Should You Do When a Tug Approaches?
When a tug approaches and you have no clear order, contact the bridge.
Common situations include:
- The tug asks for a heaving line.
- The tug sounds its horn to get the station’s attention.
- The tug follows the ship, but nobody has told the station to make fast.
Do not assume that the tug should be connected.
Ask the bridge first.
💬 Example radio call:
“Bridge, aft station. Do we have a tug aft?”
The bridge can then confirm whether the tug should be connected.
⚠️ Do not let the tug crew decide
A tug may signal for a heaving line.
That does not replace the bridge’s order.
Even if the tug crew is ready and wants to connect, wait for confirmation.
If the bridge says connect, prepare the line.
If the bridge says no need, do not connect.
If the tug is only required for pushing, keep the tug line disconnected.
🔍 What If the Tug Sounds Its Horn?
A tug may sound its horn when the crew wants the ship’s attention.
There could be various reasons so the mooring station should not treat the horn as an order to make fast.
Call the bridge and report what you see.
For example:
“Bridge, aft station. The tug is sounding its horn. Do we have a tug aft?”
Wait for the bridge’s answer.
If they confirm the tug is only on stand by, signal or inform the tug’s crewman on the command from the bridge.
The same rule applies if the tug is already close enough to pass a heaving line.
🧭 What If the Tug Wants to Connect but the Bridge Has Not Said Anything?
Do nothing until the bridge confirms the connection.
The tug may be approaching the ship while the deck crew is still waiting for instructions.
The safest response is to contact the bridge and ask.
Once the bridge confirms the connection, the mooring station can begin preparing the heaving line.
Do not throw the heaving line first and ask questions later.
💬 Firsthand Experience
“We were in Algiers, Algeria inbound and a tug was getting our attention by sounding its horn. They want to make fast to our ship. I asked first the captain if we have a tugboat and if I should make it fast now.”
“The Captain confirmed that the tug will be on stand by so making them fast to us is unnecessary. I relayed that to the tug master. He called the pilot and continued escorting us until we safely docked alongside.”
That is the right habit.
The tug was asking for attention, but the decision still came from the ship.
📻 What Should the Deck Crew Confirm Before Making Fast?
Once the bridge confirms that the tug will make fast, confirm the connection details before sending the line.
Ask where the tug will be made fast if the bridge has not already said.
For example:
“Are we making fast the tugboat on the center lead?”
The bridge may specify the center lead, the starboard quarter, or another location.
You should also confirm whether the operation uses the tug’s line or the ship’s line.
Those details should be clear before you begin the connection.
❌ Common Mistakes
- Connecting the tug because it is already alongside.
- Throwing a heaving line before asking the bridge.
- Treating a tug’s horn as an order to make fast.
- Assuming every tug must be connected.
- Connecting the tug when the bridge has ordered pushing only.
These mistakes happen when the mooring station acts on what the tug wants instead of what the bridge has ordered.
💡 Pro Tip: When you see a tug approaching and no order has been given, ask the bridge immediately. A short radio call can prevent the station from connecting the wrong line or connecting a tug that is only required for pushing.
📝 Bridge Confirmation Checklist
| Situation | Deck crew action |
| Tug approaches with no order | Call the bridge |
| Tug asks for a heaving line | Wait for bridge confirmation |
| Tug sounds its horn | Ask the bridge what is required |
| Bridge says “connect” | Prepare to make fast |
| Bridge says “push only” | Do not connect the tug line |
| Connection point is unclear | Ask the bridge |
| Line type is unclear | Confirm tug’s line or ship’s line |
❓ FAQ
Can the tug order the deck crew to connect its line?
No. The deck crew should wait for the bridge to confirm the connection. The tug’s request does not replace the ship’s order.
What should you do if the tug sounds its horn?
Call the bridge and ask whether the tug is required aft or forward. Do not connect the tug based only on the horn.
What if the bridge says the tug is only for pushing?
Do not connect the tug line. Follow the bridge’s instructions even if the tug wants to make fast.
Should you prepare a heaving line before bridge confirmation?
Wait for confirmation before sending the heaving line for the tug connection. The connection itself must first be ordered by the bridge.
🧭 Final Thoughts
A tug approaching the ship does not automatically mean the tug should be connected. The key habit is simple: confirm first, then make fast.
✅ Remember:
- Wait for the bridge’s order.
- Do not treat the tug’s request as an instruction.
- Confirm the connection before sending the heaving line.
Follow your company procedures and local port rules.
If you have seen a tug approach without a clear bridge order, share your experience in the comments.
May the winds be in your favor.
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