scope:

The purpose of this document is to establish technical standards for contracting commercial tugs in order to perform tug services in response to the operational needs of U.S. Navy ships.

The main objective of this document is to establish acceptable commercial tug performance and outfitting requirements while maintaining maximum flexibility in order to satisfy diverse shiphandling and harbor requirements without unduly restricting tug selection.

This document is applicable to all time charter and requirements type contracts in the United States or its possessions for all tug and towing services in the harbor, out to sea buoy or sea anchorages, and coastwise for U.S. Navy and Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships including commercial or foreign vessels chartered or sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD), excluding spot hire services. This document may be used for guidance in contracting for tug and towing services in foreign ports.

intended Use: