The dynamic nature of the global maritime sector continues to place immense pressure on port operations to perform with utmost safety, precision, and efficiency. Among the most critical components of port operations are tugboats and support craft, which play a pivotal role in maneuvering large vessels, ensuring seamless towage, and facilitating search and rescue coordination. Recognizing this strategic importance, Pideya Learning Academy offers the specialized course Tug, Boat & Craft Handling, Command, and Towage Operations Including Surveillance & Search and Rescue. This program is meticulously designed to build operational competence, strategic command abilities, and situational awareness among professionals responsible for tug and support vessel activities.
As global shipping activity expands, port environments are becoming increasingly congested and complex. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), over 80% of the volume and more than 70% of the value of world trade is transported via sea routes. The number of ultra-large vessels continues to rise, compelling ports to rely heavily on advanced tug operations to ensure navigational safety and turnaround efficiency. Simultaneously, the deployment of modern tug types—such as azimuth stern drive (ASD), reverse stern drive (RSD), and Voith-Schneider propulsion systems—requires updated knowledge and operational versatility from tug masters and port service teams.
This training by Pideya Learning Academy focuses on equipping participants with comprehensive skills for the safe and efficient handling of tugs, boats, and auxiliary craft under varied operational conditions. Participants will gain a deep understanding of propulsion technologies, bollard pull assessment, towing geometry, and interaction effects between vessels and support craft in enclosed harbors, congested channels, and offshore terminal settings. The program emphasizes the importance of recognizing a tug’s limitations and capabilities during towage operations and provides tactical insights into planning and executing commands under different sea and port configurations.
To strengthen command confidence, the course introduces participants to advanced maneuvering strategies and emergency protocols in line with international towage guidelines. Participants will learn how to evaluate risk scenarios and plan for incidents such as aborted towages, equipment failure, and rescue interventions in coordination with surveillance protocols. As part of the immersive learning experience, case studies and scenario-based group discussions simulate complex real-world conditions, fostering both critical thinking and rapid decision-making.
This course also delves into modern surveillance techniques and search and rescue coordination, reinforcing the role of tug professionals in safeguarding lives and port infrastructure during maritime incidents.
Key highlights of this training include:
Comprehensive understanding of tug capabilities, limitations, and performance under various marine conditions
Detailed exposure to different tug types and propulsion systems, including ASD, RSD, and Voith-Schneider
Proficiency in maneuvering large vessels through tight berths, channels, and high-traffic terminals
Strategic knowledge of towing equipment behavior, towline dynamics, and bollard pull calculation
Application of surveillance protocols and coordination of search and rescue efforts
Scenario-based learning for responding to emergencies, aborted towage plans, and equipment malfunctions
Alignment with international safety regulations, tug manning standards, and towage operation best practices
By combining technical depth with operational insight, this course from Pideya Learning Academy empowers marine professionals to become versatile, safety-conscious, and strategically skilled leaders in the towage domain. Whether operating in high-traffic ports or coordinating in emergency zones, the competencies gained from this program will support optimal tug deployment, safe vessel handling, and successful search and rescue outcomes.
Designed with a real-world focus and a forward-looking perspective, the Tug, Boat & Craft Handling, Command, and Towage Operations Including Surveillance & Search and Rescue course ensures that participants leave with the knowledge, clarity, and confidence to excel in today’s maritime environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Comprehensive understanding of tug capabilities, limitations, and performance under various marine conditions
• Detailed exposure to different tug types and propulsion systems, including ASD, RSD, and Voith-Schneider
• Proficiency in maneuvering large vessels through tight berths, channels, and high-traffic terminals
• Strategic knowledge of towing equipment behavior, towline dynamics, and bollard pull calculation
• Application of surveillance protocols and coordination of search and rescue efforts
• Scenario-based learning for responding to emergencies, aborted towage plans, and equipment malfunctions
• Alignment with international safety regulations, tug manning standards, and towage operation best practices

• Comprehensive understanding of tug capabilities, limitations, and performance under various marine conditions
• Detailed exposure to different tug types and propulsion systems, including ASD, RSD, and Voith-Schneider
• Proficiency in maneuvering large vessels through tight berths, channels, and high-traffic terminals
• Strategic knowledge of towing equipment behavior, towline dynamics, and bollard pull calculation
• Application of surveillance protocols and coordination of search and rescue efforts
• Scenario-based learning for responding to emergencies, aborted towage plans, and equipment malfunctions
• Alignment with international safety regulations, tug manning standards, and towage operation best practices