Hmm... I was wondering...

[TinkyPatz]

Sorry if this is a stupid question but...

 

I was told that those boats that guide the cruises out and into port are actually pulling the boat. Is this true? Because it kinda seems impossible, but at the same time I guess on the water it's possible to pull anything that floats...

 

If it's not true, what is their function?

 

Also, when I sailed out of Miami we were escorted side by side by a US Coast Guard boat, is this regular practice, and if so, why?

 

And those boats that I see on many pictures expelling water everywhere, what is their function?

 

 

Maybe no one else is interested in this, but I ask cause I've always been curious about it since I always see them.

 

TIA!

[sandij]

Most of the newer ships today don't require a tug boat to push or pull them out. Only if they have a mechanical problem. Maybe you mean the little pilot boats that escort the ships in and out of each port. An official from each will board the cruise ship to help guide it through the inlets.

[StuartLittle]

And those boats that I see on many pictures expelling water everywhere, what is their function?

 

Those are filling up the ocean. :D

[TinkyPatz]

Most of the newer ships today don't require a tug boat to push or pull them out. Only if they have a mechanical problem. Maybe you mean the little pilot boats that escort the ships in and out of each port. An official from each will board the cruise ship to help guide it through the inlets.

 

OHHH.. that makes sense! And yes, I guess I was refering to the little boats that escort the ship.

[buddyjo143]

Sorry if this is a stupid question but...

 

 

And those boats that I see on many pictures expelling water everywhere, what is their function?

 

 

TIA!

 

 

These are actual fire boats used for marine fires or buildings abutting the water. They use water cannons using the abundace of water it sits in-no hydrants . They also use the fire cannons as a tribute to new ships or retiring ships coming or going from port. A show of respect.

[TinkyPatz]

Those are filling up the ocean. :D

 

HAHAHAHAHA, I knew that water had to come from somewhere! ;)

[TinkyPatz]

These are actual fire boats used for marine fires or buildings abutting the water. They use water cannons using the abundace of water it sits in-no hydrants . They also use the fire cannons as a tribute to new ships or retiring ships coming or going from port. A show of respect.

 

Wow, the tribute to the ships sounds great. Thanks for the response!

[OhioJeff]

Fire Boat

 

[cdngb]

I have seen four boats in total. Tugs push the liner, but most now have thrusters, but they still need the tugs in case something happens. The fire boats as noted above. In Alaska this summer we had two Coast Guard Zodiac inflatables with machine guns escort us out of port. In every port a tender delivers the pilot who is required to help get th ship in and out of the port.

[TinkyPatz]

OhioJeff thanks for the pic, it looks amazing!

 

 

 

On another note: why is the Coast Guard necessary in some cases?

[OhioJeff]

OhioJeff thanks for the pic, it looks amazing!

 

 

 

On another note: why is the Coast Guard necessary in some cases?

I actually didnt think the pic would be that big :(

Re USCG

Its for security this is from the carnival website

http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/Increased_Security_Measures.aspx

 

Following the events of September 11, 2001, all cruise ship lines, cruise vessels and cruise terminals are in a heightened state of alert. The primary responsibility for the safety and security of cruise vessels in the United States territorial waters lies with the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard has initiated a directive for all cruise vessel operations to be at the highest security level. At this level, additional measures are taken to ensure the safety of crew and guests. These measures include:

Enforcing a 300' separation zone from all cruise vessels while in port and en route into and out of port.

Escorting all cruise vessels into and out of port.

[Barkingowl]

We had some small Coast Guard boats on the port side of the Elation as we left Port Canaveral in January. Every so often they would let off a siren. We later found out that they were doing so as female passengers lifted their tops.

[cruisinbuddy]

Someone mentioned the "Pilot" boat, I think. On my 1st cruise we did the bridge tour and the "Pilot" was explained to us. No ship can arrive or leave a port unless the "Pilot" in on board. He/She, gives directions to the Captain on how to maneuver the port, coming or going. Apparently there's no insurance, All State, Grey Power, etc., if the pilot is not on board. So todays lesson was on the Pilot of the port, :) .

[Cuizer2]

My avatar is a fire boat.

 

The pilot boats are not pulling the bigger ships. The pilot boat's job is to pick up the pilot after the ship clears the harbor.

 

Sometimes you will see a tug being pulled by a large ship. The tug's job is to pull the back end of the large ship around so it can corner better.

 

The Coast Guard will escort a ship out for one of two reasons:

 

1) Safety

2) Practice

 

It is common. I don't know if I would call it a regular practice.