Discover state-of-the-art, engaging and flexible learning
The maritime industry is evolving faster than ever, and success today means going beyond traditional training. New technologies, updated regulations, and shifting career expectations are transforming how maritime professionals and students learn and grow. Polestar Digital Academy offers an innovative online platform designed for anyone looking to advance their knowledge, whether you’re an experienced mariner, a student starting your journey, or someone exploring a maritime career.
Our flexible, engaging courses let you access high-quality content anytime, anywhere. With a user-friendly design, the platform supports professionals, students, teachers, and employers in reaching their educational and career goals.
Whether you want to sharpen your skills, stay compliant with the latest regulations, or expand your career opportunities, Polestar Digital Academy helps you stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.
Our available e-learnings:
Tug Use in Port
E-learning for maritime professionals involved in ship handling with tugs, including (future) tug masters, pilots, and trainers. The contents of this course is based on the standard reference work ‘Tug Use in Port’ by Captain Henk Hensen. The content has been tailored for the use of this course, with input from many partners from the tug community.
Each module takes appr 30 minutes each, with knowledge questions and questions that test true understanding of the contents. The theory is enriched by many engaging images, videos and presentations that explain and visualise the theory. A dashboard allows you to plan and track your progress.
For information on our pricing, please contact us at digital@polestar-publishing.com.
Editorial Board
Contents:
Factors influencing tug choice
This module discusses the factors that influence the choice of tugs, such as type of port or the services required in that port.
You will learn:
Environmental conditions that impact the use of tugs
The categories of ports and their approaches
Different types of ships calling at ports
Services in and around a port
General tug design
In this module, we will discuss the design of the tug and the specific tug elements such as fendering and towing equipement.
You will learn:
The wheelhouse construction and layout
The layout of the superstructure of a tug
Hull and underwater design
Fendering
Towing equipment
Towing lines
A towline connects the tug and ship, bearing dynamic loads from their movement. This module explores the key requirements for towlines and tugs.
You will learn:
Basic requirements
Towline types
Maintenance and inspection
Composition of towing lines
Towline handling
Safety factors
Towline length
Effective ship and tug handling
In this module we address the subject of effective ship handling with tugs, the underlying principles and aspects that have an impact on ship handling.
You will learn:
Basic principles
Speed and steering control
Basic tug handling
Environmental limitations
Other practical aspects that impact tug and ship behaviour
Tugs with aft propulsion
In this module we discuss the most common harbour tug types that have aft propulsion: conventional tugs, ASD tugs and combi-tugs. For each type, we discuss its specification, the performance and the manoeuvring.
You will learn:
The key features of conventional tugs, and their impact on performance and manoeuvring
The key features of ASD tugs, and their impact on performance and manoeuvring
The key features of combi-tugs, and their impact on performance and manoeuvring
The following module will be available in December 2025:
- Harbour tugs – propulsion forward
In development:
- Assisting methods
- Bollard Pull
- Interaction
- Risks
- Escort Tugs
- Tug Stability
