Tight squeeze at slack water on the KVK: the Kimberly Turecamo, assisting the tanker Gotland Carolina into Berth #1 – West at IMTT – Bayonne, folds over and just squeaks her stern past the end of the #8 ship dock while another tug works the ship’s stern, then comes back out “on a 90” (degree angle) to finish the job. As should be obvious, this kind of maneuver (docking or undocking perpendicular to the current’s flow in very tight quarters) is for slack-water-only. The pilot and the tug drivers must be able to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively. A calm demeanor is mandatory. As for ability and experience? Well, lets just say that no 30-Day Wonders need apply…..
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