Towing & Ship-Assist · Ship-Assist — Escort Speed
Escort tugs are generally most effective at developing large indirect steering forces at:
- AVery high transit speeds only
- BModerate escort speeds, since hydrodynamic forces have an effective speed range and rise steeply with flow✓ Correct
- CZero speed
- DAny speed equally
Explanation
Indirect (hydrodynamic) escort forces depend on water flow across the tug's hull, so there is an effective speed band — too slow yields little lift, while very high speeds can overload gear and exceed safe limits. Escort speeds are agreed in advance.
Authority: Escort tug operations; OCIMF escort guidance
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