Emergency towing procedure and immediate readiness
What is being checked
The inspector is checking whether the vessel-specific Emergency Towing Booklet matches the arrangements onboard, is available at the required locations and can be explained by the officers. Where emergency towing equipment is fitted, it and its ancillary items must be maintained and ready for immediate deployment.
Ready onboard
0/7 completePractice questions
Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.
1Show the emergency towing arrangement and deployment sequence in the ETB.
Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.
2Where are the three required copies of the ETB kept?
Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.
3Which emergency towing equipment is permanently fitted, and which items must be rigged?
Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.
4Select one ancillary item from the ETB and show its location onboard.
Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.
5How would the team deploy the arrangement safely if normal power or access were affected?
Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.
6What recent inspection or maintenance confirms that this equipment is ready?
Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.
Where an observation may arise
The ETB does not match the vessel's actual fittings or equipment.
A required ETB copy is missing from the bridge, office/CCR or forecastle.
An officer cannot explain the fitted arrangement or deployment process.
Any emergency towing component is defective, inaccessible or not ready for immediate use.
An item listed in the ETB is missing, defective or stored in the wrong location.
Maintenance records do not support the apparent condition or readiness.
Master's practical note
Use the booklet on deck and walk through the arrangement from the strong point to the towing connection. A polished booklet is of little value if a fitting has changed, an ancillary item has moved or the team cannot explain the first actions. The practical test is whether the arrangement can be deployed from its present condition without improvisation.
Equipment boundary and references
Equipment boundary: Emergency towing arrangements vary substantially by ship. Deployment instructions, loads, connection points and ancillary equipment must come from the vessel-specific ETB and approved plans.
References
- SOLAS regulation II-1/3-4
- IMO MSC.1/Circ.1255
- ISM Code sections 7 and 10
- Vessel-specific Emergency Towing Booklet
Last reviewed: 2026-08-11