Your vessel is preparing to load Class 1 explosive material in a US port. In accordance with U.S. regulations which of the following best describes the procedure for rigging of the required tow wires?
• Emergency towing/fire wires purpose when loading Class 1 explosives in port • Location and orientation of towing eyes relative to the water (inboard vs outboard, at water level vs on deck) • Relevant U.S. regulations in 33 CFR Part 126 and/or 49 CFR Part 176 on handling explosives
• Ask yourself: in an emergency where tugs must take control of your vessel quickly, which rigging arrangement would let a tug safely and rapidly pick up the wire without sending people aboard? • Consider whether a wire that is coiled on deck versus already positioned near the waterline better serves the goal of immediate emergency towing. • Think about which side (inboard or outboard) the towing eye must be on for another vessel alongside to grab it easily and safely.
• Verify in the regulations that both bow and stern arrangements are addressed when loading or discharging Class 1 explosives. • Check whether the regulation requires the towing eye to be already at or near the waterline, or just ready to be deployed. • Confirm whether the regulation specifies that the towing eye must be positioned outboard or inboard relative to the ship’s side.
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