Joe wrote:
Capt,

Most times if not all when a barge is on the Hip the tug is still as
far aft as possiable. That way he can still control the barge. Its a
**** poor way to tow but needed in some situations. Never is the barge
on the hip near the bow of the barge. You would have next to no
control.

Joe


No arguments here. Generally when you see this, the tug has come from
sea and a stern tow. Prior to docking, she'll take the barge on the
"hip" for obvious reasons of handling.
Some of the few times I've seen a tug situated as Neal described was
when the barge was light and/or they had a barge on each hip.
At any rate, when I'm handling a tug/barge combination, I always look to
see how far aft the tug is for a quick judge of maneuverability.

otn