The Towage Guidelines for Littlehampton Harbour (published June 2021) provide essential information for any vessel intending to undertake towing operations within harbour limits.
📄 The full document can be downloaded here.
Safe towage within Littlehampton Harbour depends on good planning, clear communication, and professional seamanship.
While these guidelines provide a framework for towage operations, the Master of each vessel remains ultimately responsible for ensuring that any towing operation is conducted safely.
The Master must assess towage requirements and risks for their vessel, after consultation with the Duty Harbour Master.
Where a vessel is under pilotage, consultation should also include the Pilot.
In certain circumstances, and in accordance with the Collision Regulations and the harbour’s Pilotage Directions, the Harbour Authority may direct a vessel to take a tug if it is deemed necessary for the safety of the vessel or the port.
For full details, see the Pilotage Directions here
The Master remains responsible for the safety of any towing operation.
Consultation with the Duty Harbour Master is mandatory before any tow begins.
The Harbour Authority may direct a vessel to take a tug if required for safety.
Pilotage is required for tows exceeding 60GT combined tonnage, and may be required for tows over 20m in length.
Emergency tows must be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities.
The following vessels are exempt from these towage guidelines:
RNLI lifeboats engaged in rescue, training, or service operations.
Club sailing dinghies when being towed by registered club RIBs.
Pilotage is an important safety measure for tows operating in or near the harbour entrance.
Pilotage is mandatory for tows where the combined tonnage exceeds 60 gross tonnes (GT).
Pilotage is likely to be required for tows where the total length of tow (measured from the bow of the towing vessel to the stern of the towed vessel) is 20 metres or greater.
Masters should discuss such cases with the Duty Harbour Master at the earliest opportunity.
Pilot booking: At least 24 hours’ notice is preferred, although urgent requirements can be accommodated where practicable.
Before any towage operation begins — whether entering, leaving, or moving within the harbour — a towage plan must be agreed with the Duty Harbour Master.
This discussion should cover:
The type and size of vessels involved.
The nature and purpose of the tow.
Weather, tide, and visibility conditions.
Proposed route and timings.
Emergency arrangements and communication channels.
No tow should proceed until the Duty Harbour Master has confirmed that the plan is understood and accepted.
If towage assistance is required in an emergency, safety takes priority.
The towage provider must inform the Duty Harbour Master of their intentions as soon as it is safe to do so.
All emergencies must be reported immediately to:
HM Coastguard – via VHF Channel 16 or by dialling 999.
Once the situation is under control, a full report should be submitted to the Harbour Office.
