Why do tug boats have to help big ships in a harbor?

Question

Why do tug boats have to help big ships in a harbor?

Answer 1

Big ships cant turn fast enough so they need tug boats which help them out.  

Answer 2

The big ship can not move other than straight> They need help getting into slips or docks>

Answer 3

Do you mean a pilot boat?

A pilot is a mariner who guides ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbours or river mouths. Legally the master remains in command of the ship. The pilot is a senior adviser only. It is one of the oldest, least known professions and yet one of the most important in terms of maritime safety. The economic and environmental risk from today's large cargo ships makes the role of the pilot essentialTheir size and mass makes large ships very difficult to manoeuver; the stopping distance of a supertanker is typically measured in miles (kilometres) and even a slight error in judgment can cause millions of dollars in damage. For this reason, many years of experience in an operating area are required to qualify as a pilot.



Boarding is tricky, as both vessels are moving and cannot afford to slow down.By far the most challenging part of any ship's voyage is the passage through the narrow waterways that lead to port and the final docking of the ship. The pilot brings to the ship expertise in handling large vessels in confined waterways and expert local knowledge of the port. In addition to bringing local maritime expertise on board, the pilot also relieves the captain from the economic pressures that can compromise safety. Instead of being part of the ship's crew, pilots are employed locally and therefore act on behalf of the public rather than of the shipowners.

Normally the pilot joins an incoming ship at sea via helicopter or pilot boat and climbs a swaying Jacob's ladder sometimes up 40 feet (~12 metres) to the deck of the largest container and tanker ships. With outgoing vessels, a pilot boat returns the pilot to land after the ship has successfully negotiated coastal waters.

Pilots specifically use pilotage techniques relying on nearby visual reference points and local knowledge of tides, swells, currents, depths and shoals that might not be readily identifiable on nautical charts without first hand experience in the waters in question.

Beyond the experience and training of regular ship's captains, pilots also receive special, ongoing training to stay on top of their profession. Pilots are required by law in most major sea ports of the world for large ships.

Answer 4

45 cal forgot that big ships do have rudders, meaning they can turn... their trouble is they cannot maneuver in tight quarters and any wind against their broadside simply pushes them along.  Tugs can push and shove them much more efficiently and safely while in port.

Answer 5

They have more control of direction in a shorter distance. There is still a river pilot on board at the wheel but he is giving directions to the tugs.  If you were ever at the control of a large ship you would understand.  The response from the wheel in the ship is very slow.

Answer 6

they cant turn sharply. while on full speed ships must start turning 1 kilometer before, otherwise they can crash. thats the reason titanic didnt survive.