The escort of VLCC'S, ULCC'S, L.P.G, L.N.G, Large Bulk carriers and other vessels, except Container Ships will be as follows:
- Loaded vessels less than 70.000 SC.N.T.* will be escorted by one tug if for technical reasons SCA finds it necessary, or when the vessels draught is more than 47 feet.
- Loaded vessels from 70,000 SC.N.T. to 90,000 SC.N.T. will be escorted by one tug
- Loaded vessels over 90,000 SC.N.T. will be escorted by two tugs.
- Vessels in ballast over 130.000 SC.N.T.will be escorted by one tug.
- L.P.G and L.N.G over 40,000 and up to 90.000 SC.N.T. (Except G.F.) , or loaded with Ammonia cargo ( L.P.G., L.N.G. vessel contain {tank of deck} completely separated from cargo tank with maximum tonnage of 180 tons will be considered as gas free vessel – G.F. carriers are to be treated as tankers in Ballast) will be escorted by one tug and those over 90.000 SC.NT will be escorted by two tugs.
- Vessels in ballast with beam over 218 feet up to 233 feet will be escorted by one tug.
- Vessels in ballast with beam over 233 feet will be escorted by two tugs.
- Towed scrapped vessels will be escorted by one tug.
- Loaded Semi-submersible ships carrying drillers or floating units (300 SC.G.T. and over) will be escorted by one tug or more tugs as decided by SC port office after survey on arrival.
- Integrated Units to be escorted by one tug during first transit.( see Appendix No.1 special cases item "E" in Suez Canal Rules of Navigation).
Remarks:
- Any vessel escorted by one tug and the situation requires another imposed tug, so both tugs are considered imposed.
- Any vessel escorted by two tugs and the situation requires a third imposed tug, one of the two escorting tugs will be for escort and the second and the third tugs are considered, imposed tugs.
- In all the cases mentioned before : Either imposed or escorted tug, the Master is responsible for any damage that may happen to SC tugs, directly or indirectly during the voyage, whatever the reasons of the damage may be.