wrote:
On Wed, 23 Sep 2015 10:38:36 -0700 (PDT), Tim
wrote:

Wayne, do they even use tugs for that anymore? Or is it all done by bow thrusters?

The tug boat union ;-)

I suppose in some cases wind and tide will be too much for thrusters
and no captain wants that liability. It is the same reason they take
on pilots.

Acquaintance runs a tractor tug in SF Bay. He makes $450k a year. So fees
have to cover crew and a multimillion dollar tug, most ships are at least
escorted by tug when going under any of the bridges and a couple other
places. Both because of danger of loss of steering and power and fast
currents.