Close Calls Passing Tows on The Tennessee, Mississippi, and Illinois Rivers

[@FoxIslandRailroadCo]

This is super interesting, thanks for sharing!! I’ve never ventured into the major channels here in the Nashville area, very cool to see these tow vessels up close.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Thank you for watching! It is very exciting and interesting travelling the rivers.

[@fredburban8219]

You have a beautiful yacht. I have a 38' Chris Craft, when on the Houston ship channel it was like a freeway, everyone knew where to be. Now on a lake in Arkansas boaters have no clue, i set a coarse and let them see me, i do not deviate as it will confuse them. I opeate at 10 knots and keep a defensive eye open.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Thank you. Thank for writing! Enjoy your boating this summer!

[@JohnPitney-he5rg]

Hello Freebird - We have really enjoyed your videos so far. They have made us nostalgic to turn back the clock 10 years when we did the Loop in a 53' Carver Voyager. What a great design the Voyager series was! So comfortable! Just wanted to comment on the "one whistle/two whistle" issue. It looks like others have commented on various ways to remember what should be done in both situations (passing and overtaking). A towboat captain on the Mississippi gave us the easiest way to remember what to do... "In either case, you (the pleasure boater) turn right on one whistle, turn left for a 2 whistle situation". It doesn't make any difference if you're meeting bow to bow or overtaking the tow. Smooth travels!

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Thank you for the tip. Nice to hear from you. We have it down pretty good now but that is a great way to think about it if you get confused.

[@nazihater2798]

Love your boat, grew up in Michigan City, now live in Birchwood, due to retire soon from CPD hopefully the Loop is in our future, love your videos.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Thanks for your service! We hope you enjoy your retirement. If you don't get to do the whole loop Michigan is awesome by boat. Tennessee River is beautiful too! Thanks for watching!

[@wendyhodge5550]

So happy I found your channel. I'm from Chattanooga TN and happy to call this beautiful place my home. Thanks for sharing your video ❤

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

We love it here too! The river is so beautiful! thank you for writing! Are you a boater?

[@Dld1985]

I’ve passed quite a few on the Cumberland River. Never had a problem but amazed at the prop wash from the rear of a tug. You can encounter bank to bank rolling from the General Jackson. Watched them break barges down going into the locks. I believe Old Hickory lock can only handle 300’ length. Interesting but if you’re trying to lock through you have to be patient.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Thank you for commenting. It is definitely interesting out there. We like Lake Barkley and Green Turtle. One of these days we will have to take the side trip up to Nashville.

[@Brad-zb4nl]

When overtaking the whistle signal is always which side you leave them on. On western rivers if arrangements are made for a 1 whistle pass the stand on vessel (the tow) will maintain course and speed and the overtaking boat (you) will turn to starboard (right) and you will be leaving them on your port side. This is basic rules of the road which the tow pilots know as well as you should know if traveling on western rivers. When meeting a tow a 1 whistle pass each vessel will leave the other on their port.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Thank you Brad. Great explanation!

[@jrmiller2795]

May want to consider asking permission to film as these boats some whom are shoving Red Flag barges are covered under Homeland Security Act can instigate an issue with being filmed. But, the content is excellent, and AIS is vital in the operation of our vessels and could be helpful to you. In saying that knowing the Rules of the Road as an operator of a power driven vessel if the responsibility of all vessel operators. As a Towing vessel Captain we want to respect your navigation and safety of your vessel as well as ours. Happy travels, the 1 whistle is port to port, 2 stbd to stbd, and when overtaking you are the burdened vessel, the overtaken vessel is the stand on.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Thanks for the information. Since this video we have travelled the river from Chattanooga to Michigan again. At this point we are pretty good at navigating and communication for passing. The cost of AIS for us since we probably will not do the rivers again isn't in the cards. The costs to owning a boat and servicing it is emptying out pockets quickly!

[@curtisking9131]

Just to clarify some things for you, I’m a retired Towboat Captain. When you overtake another vessel, you pass him on the two, or the two whistles, your starboard, to his port. When you meet a vessel on the one whistle, you meet him port to port! I hope that helps.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Thanks for your comment and clarification. I’m not sure why I have trouble getting it right. Maureen very helpful with contacting the tow captains for instructions.

[@jdwky69]

We just got our 56 voyager! Waiting on the muddy Ohio to recede before setting out. We can't get our motorized tv to go down, have you ever had to work on yours?

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Congratulations! We hope you enjoy your new Voyager! We have not had any trouble and ours goes up and down with no problem, but we don't use it. We thought it was in a bad spot to watch tv, so we mounted one in the corner to the left of the booth. Ed said the power supply for the motor that runs the lift is located in the pilot house, under the seat, right next to the stairs going up to the pilot house. Where did you buy her and where are you going?

[@jdworley2925]

@@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop Thanks! We LOVE it so far! I will look into getting access to that motor. I love your tv location better though. How did you run the power cord for it? We bought ours at Green Turtle Bay Marina, and we'll be cruising her up the Ohio to home in Louisville. We plan to do some short Ohio river trips first, then do the loop in Fall '25! Your videos are great to help us plan!

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

@@jdworley2925 Ed said it was a pain. He removed the back cushions along the booth and the interior panels in corner concealing the air-conditioning duct work going to the AC vent. Power is tied into the outlet behind the booth on port side wall. Hope to see you out there one day!

[@billydelong7372]

What an awesome adventure.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

It really is. 🙂

[@EdK-pe8vb]

Traveling up and down the rivers is an amazing experience for sure. 🛥️

[@markbroussard7394]

I just wanted to clarify that when overtaking a barge meaning you are headed the same way but passing him, if he says "I'll see you on one" shouldn't you go to his Starboard side? In the video at 3:30 you are showing to go to his port side. Can you please confirm that this is correct? I'm trying to learn it so thank you for your patience.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

I must admit, it is very confusing. With our experience most of the captains will tell you to pass on their one or two. There are a few that say pass on the 1's or pass on the 2's even when overtaking. If you clearly hear them say "I'll see you on the one" I still would clarify they mean your 1 because a lot of them mean their 1. To add to the confusion a lot of the time you can't even understand exactly what they are saying due to bad radio or a mumbled answer. That is why I always try to interpret what they say and then clarify by using port and starboard, response. Most the time you can guess what side they would like you to pass on by looking at their position in the channel. I usually clarify by saying: Ok, So you want me to pass on your port and my starboard, correct? They almost always say Yes, that is right.

[@josephemidy8604]

one whistle is pass on their starboard side, 2 whistles is pass on their port side...arrow channels get confirmation with other vessel@@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop

[@lluce35]

Appreciate the information for pleasure craft, but just to clarify if meeting ( head to head) on the 1 means port to port, 2 means starboard to starboard. If over taking the over taking vessel will use their whistle, 1 whistle means the vessel over taking will leave the other vessel on her port side and vice-versa with the 2 will leave the other vessel on her starboard side. I have been in towing industry as a Capt for 20 years. Also use the rules of the road book and being a Capt the biggest thing is if you can't see the wheelhouse of the towboat we can't see you even with radar the cover tops splatter the radar with false echos. Here is a link to the colregs rules of the road. .www.navcen.uscg.gov/navigation-rules-amalgamated

[@XYguy69]

When you are overtaking or passing head on you always look at it from your vessel, when they overtook that vessel and said they are over taking on the 1 they were wrong, they overtook him on their 2, they looked at it from the other vessel which you don’t want to do

[@johnmcgee2618]

I am interested in doing the loop in a few years. I was thinking about purchasing my loop boat and keep it in Chattanooga. Any chance I could pick your brain about marinas in Chattanooga?

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Sure! We would be happy to help if we can. We are the AGLCA Hosts at Island Cove Marina, just north of Chattanooga. What would you like to know?

[@johnmcgee2618]

Which marina would you recommend in Chattanooga to keep a loop boat in preparation for completing the loop. I’m based in Atlanta so Chattanooga feels like a good choice. Secondly, where would you recommend buying a loop boat in Chattanooga?

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

@@johnmcgee2618 We recommend Island Cove Marina in Harrison, TN because they have a good service department and can haul a boat out. Tracy Green is a good broker. He is honest and well connected with the marina and any boats in the area and out of the area. He can answer any of your questions. Here is is contact information: Tracy Green Gulf Coast Yacht Group [e-mail] 423-227-0659 cell

[@wernersoeters1137]

here in holland we have a app on the phone for ais ,only costs is 20 euro a year

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

That would be great. Do you still have to have an AIS system on your boat for it to work?

[@wernersoeters1137]

@@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop no its with the telefoon waterkaarten

[@joewoodchuck3824]

Why can't you just pass a barge without communication? Are they going to change course so quickly that it would be an issue?

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

It can take a long time to pass a long tow with many barges. You don't fly by, you just go a little faster then the tow to pass. Your line of vision is blocked by the towboat and barges and if he knows you are going to pass him he can tell you if it is a safe time to do so. He can see if another towboat or another boater might be coming from the other way or another hazard.

[@joewoodchuck3824]

@@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop Gotcha.

[@jonwilliam5465]

They should use their blinkers….

[@jimvandyke1979]

It is confusing because normally stbd is odd numbered and port even numbered. When they say on the ones or twos they are actually referring to the number of whistles you would sound.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Are you talking about the red and green marker numbers? One whistle and two whistle passes originated in the days before radio communications were used on boats.

[@danwaller5312]

You would be scared as heck if you had encountered CREW BOATS at or below Venice,La.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Tell us more. We have not headed that way yet. What is a Crew Boat?

[@danwaller5312]

@@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop its an oilfield service and supply boat. They are approximately 35-120 feet long that can travel over 35 knots and produce wakes 10 feet high. Im afraid to try and pass one anymore after sliding back down a wake when reached the crest

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

@@danwaller5312 Wow! I think i would stay behind that one too. Thanks for the warning!

[@joshthuline1044]

I run a boat in the ledbetter / paducah harbor on the ohio river. We spot docks and build tows for the bigger boats. The reason why overtaking can get confusing is because people forget that if you are over taking, which you have to call the boat and ask if thats okay because they have the right of way in that situation, that you are asking your boats 1 or 2 whistle and not their 1 or 2 whistle. If I call a boat and they say come by me on the 1, they mean my 1 or port side to thier starboard side. If they say come by me on the 2, it'll be my starboard side to their port. Of course, passing on the 1 is port to port and passing on the 2 is starboard to starboard. The vessel being overtaken always has the right of way and can flat out tell you no if they want to.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Thank you for clarifying this. In our experience there seemed to be some Captains that say pass me on my 1. Maybe they are trying to make it easier for us to know what to do. So, I always reply with what I think they want me to do. I clarify that they want me to pass on their starboard side and my port side. They usually reply confirming yes in some way. I feel better clarifying before we attempt to pass. We have had a captain tell us to wait until we get around the next corner and of course we do. We have all the respect in the world for Tow Captains!

[@joshthuline1044]

That's probably what is going on, I do the same, honestly. You'd be amazed at how many pleasure boaters don't know which direction they are going, let alone what to say on the radio or understand the lingo. I'll keep an eye out for the M/V Freebird on AIS!

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

@@joshthuline1044 Sounds great! What is the name of your boat?

[@joshthuline1044]

I run the E.W. Thompson

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

@@joshthuline1044 We will look for you this year!

[@RogueBohemian]

AIS is like insurance. You don't need it until you need it. How much fuel does a sunk boat save?

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Thanks for your comment. Valid opinion.

[@sallyb3]

Just found you guys.🎉

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Glad you did! 😃

[@toddbuquet8730]

When you are overtaking a vessel on their port side you are overtaking them on the 2 and vice versa for the starboard side that would be the 1, when meeting a vessel port to port is the 1 starboard to starboard is the 2.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Correct! Thank you for clarifying.

[@FradyKatt]

Yall got a Nice Boat But IMO it a bit big for Looping and my Gosh how much GAS she must Sux at 35 MPH is un godly I would think... LOL

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Freebird is diesel powered and is surprisingly efficient at our slow cruise speed of 9 mph.

[@MrGsxr10001]

I'm on the river a lot, All you gotta do is stay as far away from them as you can, Never cross in front of them and always think they cant see you. You get way to close to those tugs.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Thanks for watching! We like to stay away as far as we can but sometimes it's a narrow channel and we need at least 5 water depth.

[@CMDR.Gonzo.von.Richthofen]

​​​ MrGsxr is right. You would be better off to adjust your throttle until you have more channel to pass at a safe distance. A mariner must always be prepared for what may go wrong. You may lose power or hit a snag below waterline. There is also no guarantee that the channel depth has been maintained. I've seen plenty of pleasure craft aground well within the channel on the Mississippi. Mr. Murphy most certainly lives on the river, and we must always be prepared to obey his law. Imagine suddenly grounding your vessel that close to a tow. Then understand that these Wheelmen often have to maintain a very strict sailing line (especially in narrow channels like you mention), and are often setting up to make a critical steer one or two bends down the river. If they get out of shape in one section, it can easily put them out of shape for the next several steers. Now consider the decision they have to make when you pass or cross near the head of their tow-especially when you're maneuvering close to to their blind spots. Being responsible mariners, they are thinking about the possibility that you may not be successful in your maneuver. If they get out of shape trying to account for that, they may wind up aground in a bend that you're not even considering. Now imagine the chaos and danger involved when they run aground, breaking the wires that hold their tow together, scattering barges down the next five miles of river-completely adrift, crashing into anything in their path-due to your impatience or unwillingness to adjust your throttle until you have a safe stretch with plenty of river to make your move. I'm not trying to be an a-hole here, I'm just trying to demonstrate to you the bigger picture and the precarious situation that we are forced into every time a pleasure craft decides to pass or cross this close to a tow. Enjoy our wonderful rivers, and be safe out there.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

@@CMDR.Gonzo.von.Richthofen Not sure where you are getting the idea that we are passing across the front of them. We always radio the tow captain and follow his instructions for safe passing. We have travelled over 6000 miles on the Tennessee, Illinois and Mississippi rivers. We have never had a pass that the tow captain was upset with us for any reason.

[@fergieferguson2457]

I live in Tennessee I also travel up and down the river in 65’ princess length overall 68’4” beam 16’9” draft 4’6” 800hp 29.5 tons I guess it’s out of respect to call out to tow boats and I have nothing but respect for them and give them the right of way.but most of the time when I call out to them and ask or tell them I’m passing which I don’t have to stay in the channel!they either don’t answer or tell me ok just don’t hit them!and sometimes just a smart answer.so now I just pass wave most of the time get a wave back.no I don’t stay in the channel at all times..

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Wow! That's a big yacht! Thanks for sharing your experience. Where is your home port?

[@omeganickum]

Those are called Pusher Tugs because they're designed for pushing barges not Towing. You can tell the difference because The Pusher tug will have pushing knees in the front

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

We have spent years on the river, never heard any of the Captains call them by that name. But interesting information anyways.

[@CMDR.Gonzo.von.Richthofen]

This is absolutely false. They are called towboats or lineboats. They are NOT tugs of any kind. Tugs are much smaller and they do a different job. As to "pushing, not towing," this is also incorrect. The center string of barges is certainly being pushed, but every single barge abreast the push string is 100% being TOWED. Therefore, a lineboat with a 25 barge tow is in fact TOWING 20 barges. Source: I am the Mate on a Mississippi lineboat.

[@stevendyer6509]

They are tow boats not tugs as they are different boats.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

You are absolutely right. This video shows all towboats pushing barges. We slip once in a while because we grew up in Michigan where tugboats are prevalent. They are used to push around freighters.

[@EdK-pe8vb]

Sorry, I’m guilty of saying tugs many times throughout the video.🤯🛥️