Safe Operating Practice 3-97
Tugboat Assistance in Oahu's Neighbor Island Ports
Approved October 30, 1997

Issue. Presently, there are no current written industry guidelines delineating the minimum safety standards used to determine adequate tug assistance for vessels visiting Oahu's neighbor island ports. Oahu's neighbor island ports have a limited number of assist tugs available, significantly less than Oahu. This disparity has created differences in the number of tugs used per vessel in Oahu and the neighbor island ports.

Discussion. Historically, the number of tugs used to assist visiting vessels was the result of a verbal agreement between the vessel master, pilot, and Harbor Master, based on several factors such as local weather conditions, vessel maneuverability, and vessel's draft. Although historical data will show that this process has been successful, accepted written standards are needed to ensure that minimum safety standards are met at Oahu's neighbor island ports to prevent accidents from occurring.

Tug assistance in Oahu's neighbor island ports is being addressed because of the disparity between the number of tugs available in Oahu and those in the neighbor islands. Three tugs are readily available to the neighbor islands serving five ports, owned and operated by two companies; as compared to nine tugs available to Oahu's two main ports, owned and operated by three companies. Additional tugs are available to the neighbor islands at a significantly greater cost if they must be sent from Oahu.

Matson Navigation Company owns and operates two assist tugs primarily serving two ports on Hawaii (big island), Hilo and Kawaihae; and one tug serving Kahului, and Maui. Hawaiian Tug and Barge Corporation owns and operates one tug primarily serving two ports on Kauai, Port Allen and Nawiliwili, However, tugs from Oahu operating in a neighbor island port may be available for hire at the tug owner's discretion.

Recommendations of HOST:

1. Create minimum safety standards for tug assistance in Oahu's neighbor island ports based on historical practices.

2. Capture the minimum safety standards in the HOST Safe Operating Practices Handbook.

Resolution. Representatives from industry, vessel agents, the USCG, DOT Harbors, Hawaii Pilots Association, and Hawaii State Pilots created and put forth minimum safety standards for assist tugs on Oahu's neighbor island ports. The following has been approved by HOST.

Tugboat Assistance in Oahu's Neighbor Island Ports

The following establishes minimum assist tug guidelines for all vessels transiting Oahu's neighbor island ports. Prudent seamanship may dictate the use of more assist tugs in certain situations, such as harsh weather or sea conditions.

Ports of Hilo, Kahului, and Nawiliwili

All vessels 600 feet in length or more: two tugs on arrival and departure.

All vessels 250 feet in length or more, but less than 600 feet: one tug on arrival and departure.

All vessels less than 250 feet in length: no tug required.

Ports of Kawaihae and Port Allen

The above tug requirements shall also apply to these ports. Additionally, the Harbor Master and USCG Captain Of The Port (COTP) may consider a modification of these requirements under certain berthing arrangements.

The following exemptions may be granted:

1. All vessels 600 feet in length or more with thrusters of adequate horsepower - one tug on arrival and departure.

2. All vessels 250 feet in length or more, but less than 600 feet with thrusters of adequate horsepower - one tug on standby. Standby is defined as a manned tug with engines running, able to provide emergency response. An assist tug must be used if a standby tug is not available.

3. Other vessels that desire a reduction in the above guidelines should send a letter of request to the USCG COTP Honolulu.

All vessels which become restricted in maneuverability or are beyond their maximum draft limitation, or minimum under keel clearance requirements, shall contact the USCG COTP Honolulu at (808) 522-8260, prior to entering or departing the port, for tug assist determination, as required by 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 164.53 and 46 CFR, Part 160.215