This mammoth full colour book gives enthusiasts a rare close up look at working tugboats from the Mississippi river to Hong Kong Harbour and the rivers and canals of Europe. These indispensable hardworking boats quietly control the harbours and rivers of the world through a delicate balance of nautical engineering, brute motor force and vessel co-ordination. History; Tugs in action; Harbour tugs; River tugs; Barges; Oceangoing tugs; Salvage; Fire fighting; Oil spill response; Ice breaking; Military use; Signals; Tug design; Hulls & decks; Deckhouses; Wheelhouses; Mechanics; Towline; Deck gear; Engines; Propulsion; Maneouvering; Navigation; Life on the tugs; The Captain; Onshore; Lore & Literature; Historic tugboat gallery; Where to see historic tugs in the UK: Liverpool, London Docks, Cardiff, Swansea, Greenwich, Ramsgate, Chatham, Maryport, Irvine, Bristol, Goole. Huge book - over one foot square full of fascinating accounts, technical and operational insights and glorious full colour photographs.