TUG & TOW OPERATING GUIDELINES
ANY INTRACOASTAL TRANSPORTATION VESSEL OPERATING WITHIN THE NY STATE CANAL SYSTEM

TOW RESPONSIBILITY

•	All tugs shall push their tows, taking into consideration prudent seamanship and prevailing conditions. Exceptions to this rule may include situations like crossing Oneida Lake in rough conditions.
•	The use of gatelines is prohibited unless an assist boat can control the tow's forward motion and side to side motion. Use of gatelines significantly increases the chance of damaging lock walls, gates, bridge abutments and the tow.
•	All tows must exercise extreme caution when conducting any transition in towing operations (when shifting from one towing mode to another) in Sylvan Beach, Brewerton, Oswego and other harbor areas.
•	Always remember that the pleasure boaters in the canal are not accustomed to tug traffic and may not understand our actions. They also may not be on the radio.
•	Always respect the waterway and the neighboring towns and villages. Keep vessel noise to a minimum when possible while in populated areas.
•	You are responsible for your wake. The confines of the canal tend to intensify our wake.

VESSEL COMMUNICATION

•	All mariners are reminded of the requirement to maintain a listening watch on Channel 13 VHF-FM as required by the “Bridge-to-Bridge Radio-Telephone Act.”
•	Towing vessels that are operated from the aft control station are not exempt from this requirement. A handheld VHF radio satisfies the requirement;
•	Additionally, mariners are advised that as per PP: 83.709 (b) “Use of the bridge to bridge transmitter on the navigational frequency shall be restricted to the Master or person in charge of the vessel, or the person designated by the Master or Person in charge to pilot or direct the movement of the vessel. COMMUNICATIONS SHALL BE OF A NAVIGATIONAL NATURE EXCLUSIVELY.”
•	It is required by Intracoastal Transportation that our vessels maintain communications on Channel 13 VHF-FM to inform other vessels of intended actions, course alterations or towing activities. And, Channel 16 VHF-FM for emergency traffic.
•	Locks and Lift Bridges monitor Ch 13 VHF-FM.
•	Always be courteous on the radio.

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