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by pixl97 821 days ago
Once the ship is under way I don't think the tugs hang around. They are just for the push away from the dock and initial turns.
2 comments

It's very typical for pilots to be required for all entrance and egress from harbors, much more than the initial pushaway and turning but for quite a long distance through the channel.
Pilots or tugs?
Pilots always, for most harbours - they are extremely well versed on local tides and currents and essential for many river mouths and locations with large tidal swings.

Tugs - quite often, but not always - depends on the currents, ship weight, and time of day.

Depends on the navigational requirements. Indirect towing using tugs as an extended rudder are sometimes used. Although I think it is more common in Europe which has a more modern tug fleet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stebWQNrv5Q