How to Slide a Barge into a Tight Hole

In this video we are left with no assist tug and a ship in front of us and a barge in back of us and our dock in the middle.
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And if you are a professional mariner or want to become one, be sure to give my friend John a call.
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[@ralphaverill2001]

That was a most impressive maneuver, ending with a gentle, perfect landing on the dock. Threading a needle sideways. Most impressive, especially the use of wind and tide as allies, not adversaries. Well done, Captain!

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much Ralph. You said it perfectly. You can fight mither nature, but she'll always win. Better to use her. CUOTO

[@SuperRede4u]

​​@@TimBatSea As well Tim I'd just like to add that your running commentary was like sitting in Captains school 😊. Very well explained. As well, my rule of thumb is that easier it looks the more skilled the operator is.

[@TimBatSea]

@@SuperRede4u thank you very much!

[@SuperRede4u]

@@TimBatSea Thanks for sharing your professional life at sea. So glad that I came across your channel. Although I have no aspirations to become a tug boat captain, your channel is very enlightening. I regularly use the government of BC Ferries to get between Vancouver Island and the mainland of BC. I have much greater understanding of what it takes to maneuver the large ferries gracefully into the slip with hardly a tap.

[@briancummings9122]

Nerves of steel Tim,, this is why I watch you, the learning experience is PRICELESS Thank You

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Brian. CUOTO

[@donalddehaven3229]

I’m amazed how easy you make it look to put that barge on the dock between the other barge and ship and so gently touching the dock.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much for watching and for the kind words Donald. CUOTO

[@seattleboatguy]

Wow, what a skillfully executed maneuver. I'm really enjoying your "return to New York" videos.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much for your kind words. I have a bunch more NYC content coming your way. CUOTO

[@jim1718]

Thought of you this morning as I was maneuvering a luggage cart into my hotel room and without thinking referred to it as a light barge. Gave myself a chuckle.

[@TimBatSea]

😂😂😂 That's great! Thank you for watching Jim. CUOTO

[@williamralph5442]

Just like parallel parking a VW bug. Good job Tim.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching William. CUOTO

[@chrisreed7097]

Crazy how Tim can land a giant barge with such finesse.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Chris. CUOTO

[@freedomrider30]

Down south has given a new challenge that you never have...But, North??? Gezzz just 100% Pro!!! A+ Capt!!! 👍🏻👍🏻😎😎😎

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching and for the kind words. CUOTO

[@Emb0341]

Damn! Most people can’t parallel park a compact car. You just slid that ring in like it’s a pinto. Nice job sir.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much Eric! CUOTO

[@tonyd6884]

The skills of an experienced captain never cease to amaze!

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much for watching Tony. CUOTO

[@insertnamehere313]

The Great Lakes freighter Captain's are among the best at this....taking a 1,000 footer and put it in some of the tightest places...you wouldn't believe how precise they can get...and in high winds and shallow waters...impressive to say the least.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching. CUOTO

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching. CUOTO

[@637122a]

Well CAPT still driving bunker barges. Nice too see you still operating.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching. I was just filling in for a couple weeks. But I've got a bunch more NYC content coming. CUOTO

[@osptony]

Brother I watch your vids and enjoy them! Because I began watching , what must be a few years ago(feels like it anyway), I now watch your vids AND the Duluth Canal vids. 1000 footers are a real blast. Thank you for opening my eyes to new and interesting things. Thanks Man.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching and welcome to the channel. CUOTO

[@andyelliott8027]

Sliding into a tight hole, you can't beat it.👍

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Andy. CUOTO

[@swingwing671]

You are a true master of your craft Capt!!! 👍⚓

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words. CUOTO

[@williamsestrom6355]

Outstanding! I'm thinking why is he turning CCW when you explained about keeping the props out of the mud. Just when I think if I live another 78 years I could learn this job you demonstrate you're so far ahead of us common folk it's ridiculous. It's stunning how you play the wind and tide - a lot like the sail racers do. Well done, indeed! Thanks, Cap for these videos!

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much William. I really appreciate your kind words. CUOTO

[@terrym5889]

There's a tug boat Captain that has major skills, nice job Tim, enjoyed that alot!

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much Terry. I appreciate that. CUOTO

[@wb8ujb]

Thanks Tim, skilled captain you are my friend. Really nice to not only see, but have an explaination at the same time.... Thank you so much for sharing.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much for watching Robert. I have a ton of more NYC content to come. Stand by. CUOTO

[@eddieram435]

Impressive skill there sir...Reminds of the days you were maneuvering so skillfully and tightly in the Port of Arecibo. Bravo Zulu to you and your crew for such impressive work.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Eddie. We just came into Arecibo this morning (in current time). CUOTO

[@sfop1]

Tim, I had to laugh when you did your comms check with Matt. He asked if you could hear him, and you replied “I got you Lima Charlie.” I assume Lima Charlie is short for Loud and Clear. If that’s true, it really isn’t shorter. Lima Charlie has 4 syllables while Loud and Clear has only 3 syllables. Keep up the good work. I really enjoy your videos.

[@TimBatSea]

😂😂😂😂 Very true! Thank you for watching Brad. CUOTO

[@ClassXIRoads]

Capt. you make things look so easy , your skill set is massive, There just wasn't a lot of room for any mistakes in that docking. Looked to me that you also had to worry a bit about the dock lines of the ship ahead of you. I sweat putting our 43 foot up to the pump out dock, similar move a full turn around and slightly ahead with little room to spare all around with my 1st mate (spouse) freaking out that we are going to smash into everything..sometimes she is not an asset has no judge of 3 foot or 30 foot .. been misled about length for the last 50 years so not her fault. Thanks for the great clip. CUOTO

[@TimBatSea]

😂😂😂😂😂 Thank you very much for watching and supporting the channels James. That's to funny! CUOTO

[@scottwheeler2494]

It’s seems to be a common issue with many women I have found.

[@TimBatSea]

@@scottwheeler2494 😂😂😂

[@slgordon3]

That is seriously impressive.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching. CUOTO

[@BamaSaltwater]

Great vid Capt! Love watching your videos and I look forward to every new upload.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much. CUOTO

[@wallacec34]

This series is a blessing. I'm about to enter the maritime industry as an AB deckhand. I have zero background in the industry. Watching these videos to understand how a captain thinks about a given activity I know will help me as I learn about how to be a good deckhand. Plus... damn... the maneuver on this video was pretty sweet... the "walking" bit was way cool. Plus hearing about how you leverage both wind and current and the relationship to same based on the weight of both barge and tug... all great bits and super helpful to hear them articulated as part of maneuvers

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Chris and welcome to the channel and the industry. CUOTO

[@mellissadalby1402]

Hi Captain Tim! I like is when you show us your instruments, AIS and Predictor line and all that. I realize that's more setup, so I'm guessing as a Mate on this hitch you didn't bring "all" your gear. I'm thankful for the Tug and Barge footage. This is my favorite (OK, so I am a dork). You are a really skillful pilot I think. That was masterfully done! CUOTO

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much for watching and supporting the channels Mellissa. CUOTO

[@mikehemming1331]

Looks like you still have it Tim fantastic job, I only hope your boss doesn’t see your upload as he will move you back to New York

[@TimBatSea]

😂😂😂😂 Thank you very much Mike. My boss is too busy to watch my silly channel. 😂 CUOTO

[@chrisrouchaud9496]

That was amazing. Great job brother

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Chris. CUOTO

[@bobainsworth5057]

Well done Captain.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much Bob. CUOTO

[@afpwebworks]

Masterful job, Tim!

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching. CUOTO

[@dickdaley9059]

Great to see your contribution in NY while others needed away time. V has been very gracious supporting your content so it is appropriate to help out in return. I hope they enjoy seeing their expensive equipment being danced around elegantly like Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers! CUOTO 🇺🇸⚓️

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for your kind words Dick. CUOTO

[@tedmorley298]

Great job Cap, nice to see great skills in use.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much Ted. I appreciate that. CUOTO

[@pigpenz2]

So nice to see you back in New York, have to say the work you do there is from my point of view so much more interesting than the work in Puerto Rico. Though I understand how much better life is there for you. Take care.

[@TimBatSea]

Well put Andy! Thank you very much. I appreciate that. CUOTO

[@williamjacobs236]

Another great video Cap. Tim !

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much William. CUOTO

[@tmpoland7641]

Wow Tim, great episode, amazing! Thank you

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much. I appreciate that. CUOTO

[@robpuchinsky762]

I work out of port you went in to, my company does the line handling for the ships and barges out of there. It definitly looks smaller up on the bridge of a large tug vs on land or from the tiny lineboats. Enjoyed the video!

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Rob and a big thank you for following the rules! (Not naming names) CUOTO

[@richardcourtenay8114]

Beautiful peice of work Tim.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Richard. CUOTO

[@dfontenot871]

Nicely done. I had only wished that I had the ability to film a docking from the barge itself.

[@TimBatSea]

Me too! Thank you for watching. I have the ability but not tye needed permission. CUOTO

[@dougbourdo2589]

Was out of town for a few weeks. Glad to see another very interesting video Captain. The "Leverage" applied by throttle adjustments to port &/or Starboard power is impressive in how it relates to the barge movements.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Doug. Welcome back. CUOTO

[@Pepperboy555]

There is a joke in this title. But I’ll refrain 😂

[@Bill_N_ATX]

It ain’t the size of the barge but the size of the slip. Or something like that.

[@TimBatSea]

Oh Gentlemen...... How I wanted to leave out barge and go with "slip it in a tight hole" 😂😂😂 Thank you both for watching and having a sense of humor. CUOTO

[@dickdaley9059]

Fear not, Tim! Your couch swabbies know exactly what you are thinking…😁

[@bayoumike544]

😂😅

[@TimBatSea]

@@dickdaley9059 😂😂😂😂

[@wtexascowboy1]

That was very impressive. Great job. Makes me wish I had a boat. Lol.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching. CUOTO

[@raoulsantos1522]

Like a hand in to a glove, nice fit, good team work, like old times

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Raoul. CUOTO

[@charlesmiller1446]

In my perspective, you filled the "hole" with an abundance of experience ! Thanks Capt.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you Charles. I really appreciate that. CUOTO

[@antonioleone6123]

It was really amazing! Thx Captain.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Antonio. CUOTO

[@bobpaterson550]

Nice job, Cap.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you Bob. CUOTO

[@Subielicious22]

Two movie quotes come to mind…. “If anything is going to happen, it’s going to happen out there!” And “Like a Glove!!!!” 😂 #CUOTO

[@TimBatSea]

😂😂😂😂 Always get 10 points minimum fir a Captain Ron or Ace Ventura quote. Thank you Ian for supporting both channels! CUOTO

[@ren-uz2mz]

Just wow, usually watch Lock 19 on the Old Man, this was a joy..

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching and welcome to the channel. CUOTO

[@jeffbangkok]

Back in Bangkok with Captain Tim

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Jeff. CUOTO

[@kylesmith8769]

I really enjoy watching this type of maneuvering. It’s like a 3000 HP ballet.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Kyle. I appreciate it. CUOTO

[@bushmoose1730]

Nice job Cap!

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much. CUOTO

[@Vespanation]

I know nothing about ships and sailing them, This was absolutely fascinating. The Capitan is so chill! Very cool. I have to watch more of these! Paul, USA

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching and welcome to the channel. Please consider subscribing. CUOTO

[@mtm101designs9]

Brought it in beautifully to a perfect docking. Nice work and thanks for bringing us along.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much. I appreciate that. CUOTO

[@Steve-qo4hi]

This was a fun watch Tim. Nice job. Those tankermen are a great asset.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Steve. CUOTO

[@skyking6989]

Good job Capt

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much for watching. CUOTO

[@stevencorley2352]

Wow! Beautiful job.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Steven. CUOTO

[@wayneroyal3137]

Fun to watch. I run a 60’ sport fish and I’m glad to see that I use some of the techniques that you are using! Solid work for sure!!!!

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Wayne. It's all very similar. CUOTO

[@drumset09]

This video could have been titled "How To Parallel Park A Barge Like A Boss" Amazing skills. CUOTO

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much! I appreciate that. CUOTO

[@robnewell6123]

Great job Tim - you and crew make a very tricky maneuver look easy.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you Rob. I appreciate that. CUOTO

[@bobrat]

Thanks Tim

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching. CUOTO

[@petermargie]

Nicely done!

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much. CUOTO

[@williamcordle-FLman]

Smooth operator as usual captain.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching William. CUOTO

[@jamesterrill1938]

Another great video, Thanks CUOTO

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you James. CUOTO

[@Ken-cf9bc]

Nice job captain

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you Ken! CUOTO

[@James-seafan]

excellent video thank you tim

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching James. CUOTO

[@thomascary1752]

You are an artist! WOW

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much Thomas! CUOTO

[@thomascary1752]

I hope your crew realizes just how lucky they are to have you as their captain

[@TimBatSea]

@@thomascary1752 Thank you very much.

[@mickemike2148]

Very satisfying to watch! Good job Tim!

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Mike. CUOTO

[@wetsuit5]

Great Lesson. Using the environment to your advantage. My take away, keep the props and rudder in good water and away from fouling. Once you said that the turn made complete sense.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching. CUOTO

[@Zeecontainers]

This looks like the best job in the world to me

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much for watching. CUOTO

[@chairrockfarms1337]

Nice job! It was nice to see the now closed largest landfill in the world ! My old home town for 53 years on Stranded Island. The Travis power plant too !

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much for watching. CUOTO

[@philipfleming3546]

Beautiful landing Capt. Wonderful SKILL,good deckhand.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Philip. CUOTO

[@darrellgordon7456]

you are a master Tim, and a great instructor. I looked up the location on google maps and was impressed but seeing the up close perspective really is incredible!

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for the kind words Darrell. CUOTO

[@afdlkjhlkjhlkjhlkjhl]

Impressive Tim!:)

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much for watching. CUOTO

[@ThumperKJFK]

Parallel parking, your good. CUOTO ✌👍

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much Gregory. CUOTO

[@actemple3282]

Great job

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you again Adam. CUOTO

[@KF8OD1]

Nice job!

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much. CUOTO

[@10swatkins]

Very Nice! :)

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you Steve. CUOTO

[@sandcrabronco]

Excellent landing Captain, I could have slept thru that one! Enjoying the New York videos, incredible air traffic while you are maneuvering. Keep up the great work brother, we are sure you are missing the islands.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much for watching David. More NYC content to come. CUOTO

[@SLArmstrong]

Masterful!

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much Steven. CUOTO

[@terrymurphy4177]

Parallel parking at its best😎

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Terry. CUOTO

[@ianfletcher-n7j]

great stuff Tim.. I know its not but you make it look so easey....great to see you work....Ian

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you Ian. Every once in a while, I get lucky. And I had slept at a Holliday Inn the night before. 😂 CUOTO

[@earnestmetz9834]

You make it look so easy! Do they ever have wharfing winches on the barges to tighten into the lines?

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Earnest. There are capstans on the bow and stern, but they are really intended for tightening the lines after the barge is docked. CUOTO

[@svedberg8287]

Another great video. Have you done any videos about lights and day symbols for different towing confutations?

[@TimBatSea]

I sure have. Thank you for watching Eric. Let me know if you don't find them. Spoiler; two white lights for pushing or alongside, three for towing. CUOTO

[@snidelywhiplash8923]

Well done.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching. CUOTO

[@timothyboone5003]

That’s where flanking rudders can be nice. I was always told it’s better if you have to fli around, to do so pointing away from the landing/dock. That’s in case if something went wrong you could possibly drive out. If you’re pointed towards the dock/landing it’s much more difficult to back out if something went wrong. Also there’s something us inland guys do not have to deal with much, that’s shifting currents. Usually the current is always coming from the same direction. There are some rare cases where the river can flow backwards. They are above dams and and it has to do with dam and hydroelectric plant operations. But the reverse flow is usually minimal. I always enjoy watching your videos and learning about an area of the industry I have no experience in.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much for watching. You guys do stuff that is way out of my ability, but I'm sure it goes the other way to. CUOTO

[@RussellHogan]

Pretty awesome

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Russell! CUOTO

[@DavidBruner_NJ]

It would be great if the bow of barges had thrusters that you could control from the pilot house.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching David. That would be great, but companies are in business for profit and because of the size of the barges we move, an effective thruster would be cost prohibited. CUOTO

[@Frazemac1]

Great job cap, Decky has too much chat

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Mac. CUOTO

[@Frazemac1]

@@TimBatSea great content and channel mate

[@paulliebenberg3410]

Dayuum that was great! Matt the DH was impressive too, seemed to be one step ahead! A question Tim: how long a stay at a mooring before you shut down the mains?

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Paul. Matt has a long future ahead of him. We shut the mains down as soon as we are moored. CUOTO

[@terrymurphy4177]

Palm trees, coconuts and tiny umbrellas😎

[@TimBatSea]

That's right! 😂 Thank you for watching Terry. CUOTO

[@chasl3443]

You are the man! But: Can you parallel park your car?

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching. Funny you should ask. I actually haven't had a car in a few years. CUOTO

[@briantreco2371]

smooth

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Brian. CUOTO

[@EricGoesToShopClass]

Every deckhand's foot is different. Every Captain's foot is left.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Eric. CUOTO

[@terrywitt5543]

Hey cap just wondering why you don’t catch a line on the head first then work it over but very nicely done just fit

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Terry. That can work, but I was concerned that if they made off the line short, I'd run out of room. CUOTO

[@garytompkins3761]

Awesome, perfect seamanship. Your understanding and use of wind, tide and currents is extraordinary. I could not tell from the video view but how close , if at all, were you to the mooring lines of the ship docked ahead? BTW I enjoy all your content but like the river trips best of all, Thank you

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much Garry. I think we had some room to the ship lines, otherwise I'd like to think my AB would have said something about it. CUOTO

[@garthjones3747]

magical Tim I cant do that with twin engines and thrusters G

[@TimBatSea]

Sure you can. I just may have done it a few more times. Thank you for watching Garth. CUOTO

[@richardsaunders3082]

Great video Tim, what has your recent time mostly on the tow line, down south, helped or hurt your skills back on push gear??

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Richard. For the first part of my career, I mostly did offshore work so the only thing I have new to deal with here in Puerto Rico is the warm weather and beautiful girls. Lol Going back to work in NYC for a couple weeks was very fun. I got a bunch of content so stand by. CUOTO

[@johnjamesterbeek]

Read up that your Tug was laid down in 2018, must have that new tug smell still!

[@TimBatSea]

Oh it has a smell.... 😂 😂 😂 Thank you for watching John. CUOTO

[@karldahl4113]

Nice job Capt! Is that IMTT just East of you?

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching Karl. We try very hard here to not "directly name" tug, companies or customers as it gets me in trouble with my employer. CUOTO

[@bflewis9713]

Love the NY stuff. How long does the 75 tons of fuel last? Got to get at least a month between refueling.

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching. It all depends on how busy we are. If we ran at 100 percent load for 24 hours, we'd burn roughly 3000 gallons. CUOTO

[@6r4metroman]

Sweet 😁

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you very much for watching. CUOTO

[@SeabreezeRJ]

Great video Captain Tim! Thank you for sharing - I am biased to the NYC work because I live here - but I do enjoy the PR trips! BZ to all the crew and see you on the one! ~__/)__*

[@TimBatSea]

Thank you for watching and supporting the channels! I really appreciate it! CUOTO