Towing Checklist and Certificate of Seaworthiness.pdf

LOCATION: DATE :

VESSEL:

N3220525F0933 JOB #: ITEM # :

DATE DATE

Condition Report Rev01

DISTRIBUTION: (1) Customer (2) Job File

CUSTOMERS REPLY:

APPROVAL DATE

06/30/25 06/30/25

INITIATOR APPROVER

CLARIFICATIONS : Checklist is as complete as possible at this point without knowing the destination, ship ownership or towing company.

The certificate of seaworthiness form is provided. This must be completed by ship/cognizant owners and the tow compnay at time of tow.

DOES THIS AFFECT

WORK SCOPE? YES NO DOES THIS AFFECT

WORK SCHEDULE? YES NO

INSPECTION REQUEST OTHER

DESCRIPTION : 7.5 - Submit the completed and signed Towing Inspection Checklist and Certificate of

Seaworthiness.

RECOMMENDATION: Accept Report

AS FOUND SPEC DISCREPANCY

Gulf Copper

CONDITION REPORT

Philadelphia, PA June 30, 2025

USNS Spearhead REPORT NO : 019

WORK/SERVICE NO: 107749-001 107

ITEM DESCRIPTION: 0107 - Towing Preparations

GC QP00-13-02

U.S. Navy Towing Manual

H-2

TOWING INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Vessel Name: Hull Number:

Owner: P.O.C. and 24 Hour #:

Departure Port: Arrival Port:

Receiving Activity Port: P.O.C. and 24 Hour #:

Vessel Characteristics

Length: Beam: Displacement:

Draft fwd: Draft aft: Mean draft:

Freeboard fwd: Freeboard aft: Freeboard mid:

MTI: TPI: KG:

GM: Maximum Ht above WL:

Maximum Navigational Draft (include sonar domes, propellers, etc.):

Is craft designed and authorized to be ocean-towed in accordance with requirements set forth in this manual?

YES NO

Provide rationale for accepting the tow with items not accomplished.

Use separate sheet if additional space is needed.

The tow described above is seaworthy in all respects. The material condition is noted. Copies of the master inventory and storage keys are receipted for.

Representative of command having prepared the tow for sea Date

SPEARHEAD 1

Military Sealift Command

Navy Yard, Philadelphia, PA

103M 28.5M 2,400 Tons

2.6M 3.52M 3.06M

18.73M 11.94M 17.59M

X

H-3

This Page Intentionally Left Blank

H-4

1. SHIP INFORMATION Reference N/A Yes No

a. Is the booklet of general plans available?

Location of booklet:

b. Is damage control book, curves of forms, or other stability data available?

If yes, provide location:

c. Are liquid load diagrams and damage control flooding plates available on board?

If the answer is Satisfactory, provide location:

d. Are instructions posted in after steering for lining up hydraulic steering systems to hand pump?

e. Are plans and date of the last dry-docking available?

Date of last dry-docking:

Location of plans:

f. Were hull thickness recordings taken during last dry-docking?

g. Is record of sonic drill test satisfactory?

If not, has a satisfactory report of ultrasonic testing been provided?

h. Has a list of equipage been provided to the towing activity?

Note: The preparing activity is responsible for providing a list of equipage assigned to the craft that is pilferable and must be on board at destination.

Preparing and towing representatives’ signatures are required. Provide list on separate sheet.

i. List remaining HAZMAT on board:

j. If craft is a floating dry-dock, has a representative of NAVSEA inspected it?

If satisfactory, provide name of inspector and date of inspection:

k. Do you hold a signed copy of the inspection?

X

X

X

X

X

X

H-5

2. RIDING CREW Reference N/A Yes No

a. Will a riding crew be employed? If so, attach a copy of the directive (message, letter, etc.) and proceed with the following checks.

Note: Riding crews are not ordinary practice for open ocean tows.

5-3

b. Authority that authorized a riding crew.

c. Is a copy of the authorizing message attached?

Number of crew members:

d. Has a list of the riding crews been provided to the towing activity?

Note: A list of the riding crew is entered in towing ship’s diary (name, rate, SSN, and NOK; address and phone number of rider and NOK for civilians).

e. Are enough life rafts on board with emergency rations and water for the riding crew in the event that they have to abandon ship?

Location of life rafts:

f. Date life rafts were last tested/inspected: 5-8.1.6

g. Are a sufficient quantity of life jackets and life rings on board?

Number, type, and location

h. Means of communication with the towing ship:

Note: Both visual and radio are recommended.

i. Has the riding crew been trained in damage control and support systems?

Note: The preparing activity is normally responsible for such training.

5-7

j. Is habitability and sustenance sufficient from on-board assets? 5-4.3

3. SEAWORTHINESS Reference N/A Yes No

a. Does craft have a fixed rudder or a skeg?

b. Is craft ballasted?

Type and location of ballast:

5-6.3

c. If not, will craft require additional ballast?

d. Types of ballast required: 5-6.4

e. Describe where ballast will be placed and how much:

f. Draft after craft is in proper trim: 5-6.3 Forward:

Aft:

Max. Navigational draft:

g. GM after craft is in proper trim:

h. KG after craft is in proper trim:

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

XVisual and Audible flooding alrams

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

H-6

Reference N/A Yes No

i. If GM is not known, “sally ship” to establish period of roll:

Normally T = 2 Beam(ft)

T (observed):

Note: This method to assess the adequacy of ship’s stability is fully explained in Section 5-6.4.

5-6.4

j. Are all sea valves closed and wired shut? 5-6.5

k. Is there a two-valve protection from the sea for all sea openings?

Note: Two-valve protection consists of either two valves wired shut or one valve and a blank flange. A list of all valves should be attached.

5-6.5

l. Is a list of sea valves attached?

n. Are all sounding tubes capped?

o. Is there a list of all sounding tubes attached? (Required)

p. Are all between-tank sluice valves closed?

q. Are all normally dry compartments dry?

r. Are all bilges free of oil and water?

s. Are there any broken, cracked or weak frames, longitudinals, plates, welds, or rivets?

5-6.6

t. Have repairs been made?

u. Has the hull structure been inspected to the best of your ability?

v. Type(s) of hull inspection conducted, including location: (e.g., ultrasonic interior, exterior, voids) Note: All compartments should be entered and inspected.

w. Have all compartments been inspected?

x. Has steel wire or cable been used to secure all equipment to prevent any movement in heavy weather?

Note: All moveable equipment must be secured in place with wire or by welding. No fiber rope or line will be accepted.

5-9.1

y. Are all rudders locked?

Note: The rudders should be locked by using structural steel of acceptable size and quantity. The lock should transfer the rudder load from the yoke to structural members of the tow’s hull. Refer to Chapter 4 for typical configurations and sizing.

5-6.7

z. Type of locking device used:

aa. Are all shafts locked? 5-6.2.2

bb. Are propellers removed? 5-6.2.1

cc. Are shafts equipped with extra rings of packing in the gland to allow emergency repair during transit?

5-6.2.2

dd. Is the gland tightened to its tightest position but not two-blocked? 5-6.2.2

5.34

X

X

X

X X

X

X

X

X

X

VISUAL

X

Not completed at time of survey

X

X

X

H-7

ee. Ensure that there is no leak off at the stern tube. Can the stern tube-packing gland be tightened at least two more inches before it is two-blocked?

Note: Leaving two more inches will allow additional sealing room should there be leakage. If this room is not available, it is a good indication that the packing has deteriorated to an unacceptable point.

5-6.2.2

ff. Are locking nuts tight on packing glands to prevent their backing off? 5-7.1.11

gg. Are all portholes sealed and covered with metal to prevent breakage?

hh. Are all vents that are subject to heavy weather flooding (e.g., air, fresh water, fuel tank) sealed?

Note: Wood covers are not considered adequate. The recommended procedure is to remove and blank flange or weld close.)

5-9.1

ii. Do vents allow for the escape of air or gas?

Note: Vents to tanks and other closed spaces should be covered to prevent water entry, but not plugged so as to prevent the escape of air or gas. Plugging a vent allows pressure to build up within the tank if the temperature rises. Barge sides and decks have been known to bulge severely. If necessary, cover compartment vents with canvas socks that prevent water from entering yet allow air to escape.

6-6.3 5-9.1

jj. Are all hatches, scuttles, doors, and other watertight closures provided with pliable gaskets?

5-9.1

kk. Have weather decks and main transverse bulkhead watertight closures been chalk tested?

ll. Are all dogs on watertight closures operable and functioning as designed?

mm. Is forward one-fifth of craft designed to withstand constant pounding during transit?

If the answer is Unsatisfactory, bow should be shored properly.

5-7.5

nn. If the craft to be towed is a barge, and inspection reveals signs of serious deterioration, or the barge is suspected of being weakened, it may require shoring, particularly in the forward one-fifth of its length. Is shoring required?

Note: Steel “K” shoring should be installed on all longitudinals in forward and after compartments.

5-6.6

oo. Has shoring been accomplished?

pp. For LST-type tows, all of the following must be answered Satisfactory, or the vessel will not be accepted for ocean tow, even as a calculated risk:

7-7

i. Do the bow doors have hydraulic rams connected?

ii. Are mud flaps at the bottom of the doors secured?

iii. Are all dogs, heavy weather shackles, ratchet-type turnbuckles and strongbacks in place, tight and secure so that they cannot work free?

iv. Are bow ramp operating instructions posted in the hydraulic control room?

qq. If craft is equipped with a bow or stern ramp, is it secured in accordance with notes listed below?

Note: YFU/LCUs are inherently unseaworthy due to wide beams and flat bottoms. A lift of opportunity should be used whenever possible. If it is absolutely necessary to tow these craft, the following must be strictly adhered to:

7-7

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

H-8

i. The bow ramp will be secured with a minimum of four angle straps on each side, welded on the outside of the ramp. The size of these straps should be at a minimum of 4” by 3/8” and overlap the bow ramp and sides of the craft at a minimum of 10”.

ii. All normal securing devices (i.e., ramp chains, dogs, and turnbuckles) are in place and in good mechanical order.

iii. All hatches, scuttles, and doors have good gaskets and all securing devices are in proper operating condition.

rr. Are 1-foot by 3-foot draft marks painted on the sides of the hull forward, aft, and midships at the water’s edge to allow visual inspection for proper trim during transit?

5-6.1.6

ss. Are all lifelines in place and in good condition?

tt. Are ladders available for boarding on both port and starboard sides? Figure 5-7

uu. Do rungs go all the way to the WL?

vv. For unmanned ships with freeboard over 10 feet, are rungs welded to the sides?

ww. Is condition ZEBRA set throughout the tow?

If the answer is Unsatisfactory, list exceptions on separate sheet.

xx. Is damage control inspection routes marked by paint/diagrams and/or reflective tape?

5-7.4

yy. Is interior access sufficiently marked for DC teams?

zz. Shoring may be required to prevent damage to deck fittings, wirings, scuttles, doors, etc. Has this been accomplished?

4. FLOODING Reference N/A Yes No

a. Are amber (upper) and white (lower) alarms lights installed? 5-6.1.2

b. Are flooding alarm lights visible for 360º and centered forward on the tow?

Note: Are additional spares available for long tow?

5-6.1.3

c. Are both the low and high water flooding alarm lights rigged with two bulbs each?

5-6.1

d. Are flooding alarm lights rigged with a separate battery source?

Note: Flooding alarm lights must not be connected to navigational lights.

5-6.1.2

e. Are batteries sufficient to provide continuous operation for the duration of the tow?

5-6.1.2

f. Total amperage capacity:

Sufficient amperage must be calculated and available to cover the following:

1.) Wattage of the bulbs serviced 2.) Distance of bulbs from battery source (wiring losses) 3.) Duration of tow

g. Are flooding alarm lights rigged with flasher-type units? 5-6.1.3

h. Is all wiring connected to sensor indicator lights run below decks insofar as possible?

5-6.1.1

i. Is all wiring secured and protected from any chafing? 5-6.1.2

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Not observed at time of survey

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

H-9

j. Is all topside wiring protected from weather damage? 5-6.1.2

k. Are flooding alarms rigged in all major compartments closest to the keel? 5-6.1.1

l. Do all below-waterline areas have alarms?

Note: If the answer is “unsatisfactory,” attach a list of below-waterline areas that do not have alarms. Tanks and voids that can be flooded without sounding an alarm should be identified and the decision not to install alarms justified.

5-6.1.1

m. Is this list attached?

n. In large craft or in barges where compartments run athwart ships, are flooding alarms rigged on both port and starboard sides?

5-7.1.1

o. Are flooding alarm sensors well secured to fixed objects such as stanchions, drainage pipes, or ladders?

5-7.1.1

p. Is the lower indicator light wire rigged to the 1-foot flooding alarm sensors? 5-7.1.1

q. Is the upper indicator light wire rigged to the 3-foot flooding alarm sensors? 5-7.1.1

r. Are the batteries secured for heavy weather?

Note: If topside, batteries must be in a watertight box. The location should be carefully selected and secured from heavy seas. If possible, batteries should be inside the ship.

s. Is battery ventilation adequate?

5. DEWATERING Reference N/A Yes No

a. Is dewatering equipment required? 5-7.3.1

b. Are all main spaces accessible for adequate dewatering capability? 5-7.3.3

c. Is a list of spaces that are unreachable by dewatering equipment attached?

d. Location of pumps/generators/eductors:

e. Has equipment been tested?

f. Amount/location/size of hose:

g. Is adequate fuel available for pumps/generators? 5-7.3.2

6. FIRE FIGHTING Reference N/A Yes No

a. Is fire fighting equipment required? 5-7.2

b. Have pumps been demonstrated to have sufficient suction lift and discharge head?

5-7.2

c. Are at least two P-100s or operating fire pumps and all other necessary fire fighting equipment on board?

d. Is there enough P-100 fuel on board? 5-7.2

e. Is means for storage of fuel adequate?

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X

X

(2) P-100 portable pumps located on the fantail

X

2.5" suction and 4" discharge

X

X

X

X

X

Remarks section

H-10

7. NAVIGATION Reference N/A Yes No

a. Are proper navigation lights installed for towed unit? 5-6.1

b. Is each light rigged with two bulbs, so that if one burns out the craft still complies with COLREGS?

5-6.1

c. Is all wiring well secured and protected from damage by the elements?

d. Is the tow equipped with a solar switch or time switch?

5-6.1

e. Are the batteries secured for heavy weather?

Note: If topside, batteries must be in a watertight box. The location should be carefully selected and secured from heavy seas. If possible, batteries should be inside the ship.

f. Is battery ventilation adequate?

g. Are the batteries charged with sufficient amperage available to keep the lights burning brightly for the duration of the trip?

5-6.1

h. Total ampere capacity of the bank:

Sufficient amperage must be calculated and available to cover the following:

Table 5-4

1.) Wattage of the bulbs serviced

2.) Distance of bulbs from battery source (wiring losses)

3.) Duration of tow (taking into consideration the solar/time switch and length of the period of darkness).

i. Are day shapes rigged in accordance with COLREGS?

8. CARGO Reference N/A Yes No

a. Will craft have cargo on board?

b. If liquid cargo, give location and type (include any residual liquids):

c. Is solid cargo stowed below the main deck secured in position?

If so, list location and type:

d. Is solid cargo stowed topside secured in position?

If so, list location and type:

Note: All solid cargo on board must be well-secured from heavy weather. All cargo topside must be secured with wire straps and properly secured turnbuckles or equivalent securing devices. In some cases, shoring will be required.

e. Will cargo stowed on board adversely affect the stability of craft?

If so, revise stability calculations in Section 4 of this checklist.

. Has a manifest of all cargo been prepared for the towing ship?

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

H-11

9. MAIN TOWING GEAR Reference N/A Yes No

a. Have towing attachment points and fairleads (including chocks/bullnose) been non-destructively tested?

Note: Dye penetrates recommended.

4-5

b. Date of last test:

c. Test procedure(s) used (visual, dye, MT):

Note: If there is any evidence of damage, rust, misalignment, or other damage, visual inspection should not be relied on.

d. Has all chain in the towing bridle been measured in accordance with NSTM 581 and Appendix D?

Note: The towing bridle is normally chain on ocean tows. On some service craft, especially barges, wire has been successfully used. Wire should be used with extreme caution, however, due to problems with chafing.

4-6.6

e. Is the Annual Towing Machine/Towing Winch Certification on hand? 5-8.14

f. Does the vessel have a copy of its Tow Hawser Certification? 5-8.3

g. Is the Master’s Towing Certificate onboard (Commercial Vessels)? 5-8.15

h. Is towing bridle of sufficient size and strength, according to the restrictions below?listed

The following restrictions apply:

4-6.6

1.) For service craft up to 500 tons, no less than 1 1/4” chain.

2.) For service craft above 500 tons, no less than 1 5/8” chain.

3.) For ships, the bridle must be equal in size to the ship’s anchor chain, but not less than 1 1/4”. Large ships do not need chain larger than 2 1/4” when towed by U.S. Navy towing ships. More powerful commercial tugs will require larger chain bridles.

4.) Non-magnetic chain and attaching hardware will not be used for towing bridles.

5.) Single leg bridles of ships must be anchor chain or larger, but not less than 1 5/8”.

6.) The length of each leg of the bridle from the towing attachment point to the flounder plate after rigging is completed must be equal to or greater than the horizontal distance between the attachment points.

7.) A bridle apex should be between 30 and 60 degrees, with 60 degrees the optimal angle.

8.) On some ships with high bows (e.g., CV, AD, AOR, AFS), it may be necessary to rig a one or two-shot chain pendant between the bridle flounder plate and the towing hawser.

Note: Preparing activity should check with the towing activity as to the desired rig.

i. Are all detachable links in the bridle legs and chain pendant locked with a hairpin?

Note: If not, the towing bridle is unsatisfactory.

4-6.6

j. Are all bridle legs of the same size chain and equal in length when rigging is complete?

Link count:

Note: To ensure accuracy, counting links prior to rigging and painting benchmarks is the only positive method. Total links per bridle should be equal at the attachment point on the tow.

4-6.6

20 June 2025

VISUAL, Bollards are specified for towing

X

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

X

Towing activity has not been assigned

No detachable links, bridle is fastened by ABS tow shackles

1 Shot = 90' of Grade 3 - 1 3/4" links

H-12

. Reference N/A Yes No

k. If a wire bridle is used, and there is a point of chafe on the tow, has sufficient chafing protection been provided?

Note: Chafing of wire bridles can be severe. Chafing protection must be used to prevent failures.

4-6.6

l. If towing pads do not exist and bitts or cleats must be used, are they substantial enough to handle the strain of towing?

6-2.6.2

m. Are fairlead chocks and/or bullnose substantial enough to handle strain of towing?

n. Is the tow bridle fairlead angle sufficiently straight to preclude excessive side loading to fairlead points?

o. If mooring bitts are used, state the condition of bitts and surrounding deck areas. If any doubt exists, request that the area be non-destructively tested.

6-2.6.2

p. Is the towing bridle rigged with a backup system? 4-6.6

q. If mooring bitts are used a bridle attachment points, has heavy channel iron been welded across the bitts to prevent the wire or chain from jumping out?

Note: A minimum of 4-inch channel iron is recommended.

6-2.6.2

r. Type of backup, cleats, bitts, padeye: 4-6.6

s. Distance from towing pad or bitts to backup point:

t. When using a chain bridle and sets of bitts as the towing point, it is preferable to terminate the chain before reaching the bitts, using wire to make the connection to the bitts. When load-sharing between two sets of bitts, take only one round turn around one barrel of the first set and lead the wire to the second set, where it is terminated with a round turn followed by “figure eights”. Has this been done?

4-6.6

u. Has all slack been taken out of the “figure-eights”? 4-6.6

v. Has all the slack been removed from the backup wires so that all parts will take an equal strain if the attachment points fail?

4-6.6

w. In most cases, the bridle legs are run through closed chocks before being connected to the towing pads or bitts. The lead angle from the connecting to the chocks must be fairly straight to prevent bending and failure of the chain where it passes through the chock. Does the towing rig conform to the above?

x. Is there sufficient and adequate metal thickness at all potential chafing points to prevent the bridle from cutting into the chocks, gunwale, or hull?

y. Is the size of the bridle-retrieving pendant adequate (i.e., providing a 4:1 safety factor in lifting bridle weight, but no less than 5/8-inch rope?)

4-6.8

z. Is there an adequate number of wire clips securing the retrieval pendant? Table 4-1

aa. When attached from the bow of the tow to the flounder plate, is there enough slack to allow the retrieval pendant to droop slightly with no strain when the unit is being towed?

Figure 4-16

bb. Are flounder plates and plate shackles of approved design, and rigged in accordance with this manual?

Appendices D and I

cc. Is there a clearance in excess of 1/16” in securing pins in plate shackles, flounder plates and other towing jewelry?

Note: If not, the rig is unacceptable.

Appendix I

X

Chafing is provided for use of Chain on aluminum bitts

X

X

Towing bitts are to design specifications

Towing bitts are designed with a 3.5" top cap

X

Bitts

21"

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

H-13

dd. All plate and safety shackle pin nuts must be locked with a minimum of a 5/16-inch machine bolt through a drilled hole in the plate shackle nut and pin. Secure the machine bolt in place with jam nuts. It is highly recommended that the bolt be peened over. Has this been done?

4-6.1 Appendix I

ee. Lateral movement must be removed from the plate shackle connections by using washers or welding bosses on the plates. Has this been accomplished?

Note: Welding is not acceptable.

Appendix I

ff. Are all safety shackles of the approved types and materials listed in the Appendix D?

4-6.1 Appendix D

gg. If a multiple tow is planned (and you are the planning activity), have you checked to ensure that all the necessary equipment is available to rig and stream the tow in accordance with the appropriate towing method?

Note: Standard U.S. Navy practice allows three possible versions: the Christmas Tree, Honolulu, and Tandem rigs. Any rig selected must be rigged in accordance with this manual.

Appendix I

hh. Rig selected:

ii. Normally, an open-ocean tow has solid connecting jewelry, but in cases of damaged and some calculated risk tows (such as some SINKEXs), an emergency quick-disconnect method such as a pelican hook is advisable.

If this is such a tow, is an emergency quick disconnect provided?

6-6.2.3 6-7.6

jj. If so, provide the method used:

kk. If an emergency quick disconnect is provided, will all jewelry fit through all fairleads through which it must pass (e.g., the bullnose)?

6-7.6

ll. Has the system been designed with a safety link? 4-7

mm. Identify the weakest element in the towing rig:

Breaking strength of the weakest element:

10. ANCHORING Reference N/A Yes No

a. Has an emergency anchoring system been rigged? 5-7.5

b. Is anchor rig capable of holding the vessel in 60’ of water with at least 3:1 ratio of scope of depth?

5-7.5

c. Is there a need for a deeper anchoring system?

d. If so, what is the depth required?

e. Is the rig capable of meeting this deeper requirement with at least a 3:1 ratio of scope to depth?

f. Is it rigged for quick release? 5-8.5

g. Is it secured for heavy weather?

h. Has the anchor windlass brake been tested?

i. If plans have been made to anchor the tow at port of delivery, is power available to raise the anchor?

X

X

X

X

X

X

Link Proof Load 132T X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

H-14

11. SECONDARY TOWING GEAR Reference N/A Yes No

a. Are the secondary towing system’s attachment and fairlead points adequate to tow the vessel?

4-4

b. Is adequate chafing protection provided for the vessel’s secondary towing systems?

c. Is the secondary towing pendant or the ship’s emergency tow pendant at least 1 5/8” wire rope?

4-4

d. Is the secondary towing pendant stopped off in bights on one side of the tow? 4-4

e. Are the stops sufficient to hold in heavy weather, but accessible to allow cutting and light enough to be broken without damaging the towing pendant or tow?

4-4

f. Will the secondary pendant fall free without turns that will cause kinking as they pull out?

4-4

g. Is the secondary towing pendant fitted with a synthetic line messenger to facilitate passing it to the tug?

4-4

h. If the tow is unmanned, is polypropylene floating retrieval line (5”-8” circumference) attached to the end of the messenger with a small buoy secured at its end?

4-4

12. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Some types of tows require special consideration. For instance, YTBs, YTMs, and other self-propelled service craft were not designed to go to sea and are not very seaworthy. In these craft, the watertight envelope must be absolutely complete; they have low freeboards and water will constantly be breaking over them in moderate seas. Because of the constant pounding of the seas caused by their flat bottoms, submarines are not designed with towing in mind. Generally, a towing padeye is installed near the sail as a single towing point. See Section 7-5 and Appendix J of the U.S. Navy Towing Manual for data concerning submarine tows. Extensive information concerning towing of unmanned, defueled, nuclear powered submarines is contained in NAVSEAINST 4740.9 Series. (For unmanned, defueled, nuclear powered cruisers, see NAVSEAINST 4740.10 Series.)

There are many hulls whose design will require special towing rigs. Additional work may be required to rig an applicable bridle to ensure safe delivery of a craft from port to port. This will require additional lead-time to prepare the tow(s) for ocean transit. Submarines, wooden-hull minesweepers, sailing craft, etc., fall into this category.

When towing a sharp “V-shaped” hull that has a bullnose and a bulbous bow/sonar dome, the single leg bridle is the preferred method of rigging. Rig using at least two shots of the tow’s anchor chain if that chain is acceptable.

Yes Synthetic Hawser

X

X

X

H-15

13. REMARKS:

The following engineering spaces will require Low and High bilge alarms:

• RCS Room Number 1

• RCS Room Number 2

• Pump Room Number 5

• Pump Room Number 6

• Main Engine Room Number 1 (aft behind the low suction intake)

• Main Engine Room Number 2 (aft behind the low suction intake)

• Jet Drive Room Number 1

• Jet Drive Room Number 2

SL740-AA-MAN-010

H-16

SAMPLE CERTIFICATE OF SEAWORTHINESS/DELIVERY LETTER

FIRST ENDORSEMENT

1. Upon inspection of the tow described above, the following unsatisfactory conditions were found, which render the tow unseaworthy or not ready for towing (if none, so state).

a.

b.

c.

d.

2. (Cross out the statement, which is not applicable).

a. I find the tow described above in a condition satisfactory for towing, and hereby assume responsibility for delivery to the port of destination prescribed in my sailing orders.

b I will accept the tow as an acceptable risk only upon authorization of my operational commander. I have notified my operational commander of the reasons for this action.

Commanding Officer, USS Date

H-17

SECOND ENDORSEMENT (To be accomplished only if an acceptable risk tow is acceptable to delivery authority).

1. The following conditions listed in the first endorsement remain uncorrected.

a.

b.

2. It is requested that you accept this tow in the above condition as an acceptable risk.

Representative of command having cognizance of towed unit.

Date

H-18

THIRD ENDORSEMENT

1. As authorized by

(DTG reference of operational commander’s message)

I accept this tow, with conditions existing as described in the second endorsement, as an acceptable risk for delivery to the port designated in my Sailing Orders.

Commanding Officer, USS Date

H-19

SAMPLE DELIVERY LETTER

From: (Receiving Activity)

To: (Commanding Officer of Towing Vessel)

1. Received custody of (describe tow) this date.

Representative of Receiving Activity. Date