04 NCAC 15 .0126. WHEN TUGBOAT ASSISTANCE REQUIRED

Every vessel over sixty gross tons shall have the assistance of a tug (or tugs) while transiting the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and any other bridge north of that bridge.  "Approaching" a bridge is defined as being that point in the river at which it becomes reasonably necessary for the tug (or tugs) to be alongside the vessel in order to have the vessel under control prior to transiting the bridge.  Additionally, prior to the time at which the tug (or tugs) begins to exert an influence on the vessel, the pilot aboard the vessel shall relinquish control of the vessel to the docking master controlling the tug (or tugs).  This transfer of authority shall occur at a point in the river agreed upon by the pilot and docking master.  However, if the docking master refuses to accept control of the vessel for any reason, it shall be the duty of the pilot to retain control of the vessel.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 76A‑1; 76A‑5;

Eff. December 1, 1985.