For tankers constructed on or after 1 July 2002 the arrangements must, at all times, be capable of rapid deployment in the absence of main power on the ship to be towed and easy connection to the towing ship.
At least one of the emergency towing arrangements must be pre-rigged ready for rapid deployment. Emergency towing arrangements at both ends must be of adequate strength taking into account the size and dead-weight of the ship, and the expected forces during bad weather conditions. The design and construction and prototype testing of emergency towing arrangements must be approved by the flag State Administration, based on IMO Guidelines.
