28th June 2009
For the past two week, my vessel is under static towing Ensco-52. I counted myself fortunate because this is my first vessel and I am able to experience towing of rig. Since I said it is fortunate, I dare not let myself rest and keep observing every single planning, operation and navigating. It is because every single moment including the weather and sea is very critical in towing operation. Therefore everybody dare no neglect the duties assign to them and take good care of their health so that they could participate in the operation in their hundred percent.
I will roughly describe what we have done before we start the towing operation; I assisted second officer in the passage planning under the coach of our captain. Every single chart and publication must not be left out and therefore we come out with a check list so that we will not miss out any information related for the passage. Follow by inspection of all the bridge equipment functioning, all the deck equipment for example the capstan, towing pin and shackle etc. that required for towing are available and well maintain. After that I observe Captain, Chief Officer and Chief Engineer doing the calculation for our vessel’s stability. Weather and tide throughout the towing should take into account as well. ROB for provision and Liquid cargo must be check and able to last throughout the whole operation, hence some basic calculation is required. Discuss our planning for the operation with the bash master and adjustment for the plan if needed. Subsequently some preparation and installation for example fixing the wire protector, shackle etc is to be done before commencing towing.
Once everything is prepared, commence connecting of towing wire and start towing of rig. In the mean time we have to put on the signal for towing in the day and night time as order in the ROR. Once the towing wire is connected, a towing report has to be done every three hour and stop only when we disconnect the towing wire. During towing operation, stress of towing wire, stability of vessel and rig and towing connection must consistently be check. As well as taking the sounding for portable water and fuel oil everyday. Crew on duty must be on the ball at all times and any neglect of safety must not take place. Working on main deck is not allowed for the period of towing and therefore only maintenance and housekeeping inside the accommodation. We are allowed to put out our towing connection only when the rig has completed with the installation in the sea, hence a disconnected few days after we reach the final location.
After disconnecting the towing line, we have to inspect, repair and wash up all the equipment we had used as well as washing the deck. At the same time our vessel had to standby close at hand to the rig in case of emergency and wait for the rig to get settled down.
From what i have observed and learned I could said that it is people who control the vessel, and it is therefore people, together with management and teamwork, who are the key to reliable performance. Everybody must be competent to carry their duties not only when towing but at all time when we are out at sea.

Tag Replied

Jia ni- Oic, haha even i am serious also no use la cause ue wout accept also de ma. y keep asking about my ex, i can only say that she is too good for me.

Queenie- okok i owe ue once and i will return to sg asap for paid back ue okok.?

Ann jiat- No problem, i will be back hopefully before ur b'dae!! haha Don miss me too much uh.