question on tugs

Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

[ykcin]

been wondering why do tugs spray water when escorting the cruise into harbor
thoughts?

[Mad_Fred]

Hi yckin,

It's a sort of, watery salute. To greet the ship when it enters port. 

But of course, they have the water cannons to be able to fight fires, in the first place. Since tugs are always about doing their jobs, they could often be the first on the scene of a fire, and fight it.

But with the cruise ships and such, it's the salute, and the spectacle, that they're used for.


Regards,
Fred

[ykcin]

yeah i thought so wasnt quit sure though 

[IRI5HJ4CK]

Yeah, Fred's right. In particular, you'll usually get the tugs spraying water on the maiden voyage of a ship, or if its being escorted in/out of the terminal on its first trip. Or, if the ship has been away for any length of time, the tugs spray as a "Welcome back" (If the ship is of importance, such as a Navy Vessel)

Here's are two examples:





But as Fred says, the cannons aren't there just for a show either, the tugs use them for real fire fighting etc.

Jack.

[steveboston]

In these times of Swine 'Flu it might be an idea if they added some disinfectant to the sprays!