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Tugboats throw jets of water into the air in a practice full of meaning and tradition, meet us!
If there's one thing that catches the attention of those who pass by ports or watch videos of ships on the internet, it's that curious scene: tugboats throwing huge jets of water into the air, as if it were a fountain in the middle of the sea. Many people think it's just decoration or some kind of joke, but the truth is that there are reasons for this — and there are many.
What is a tugboat and what is it for?
First of all, it’s important to understand the role of the tugboat. It’s like the “stronger, more agile brother” of the big ships. While giant cargo ships are heavy and difficult to maneuver, the tugboat is small but powerful. It helps these ships enter and leave tight ports, make difficult turns, and even move when they have engine problems.
In addition, there are situations in which tugboats are used to pull stranded ships, assist in rescue operations on the high seas, and even operate in areas with ice, clearing the way. In other words, they are not seen much, but without them, many things simply do not move in the maritime world.
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And why do they shoot jets of water upwards?
That “rain” that comes out of the tugboats has a name: it’s called a “water salute.” Many people think it’s just a frill, but it goes much further than that. This practice dates back to the 1950s, when firefighters in the United States used water jets to pay homage to military ships or planes that were leaving or arriving on important voyages.
With time, this idea was adopted by tugboats around the world. Today, when a new ship makes its first voyage, or when an old ship makes its last, there they are: the jets of water shooting high into the air, as a way of showing respect, of celebrating, of marking a special moment.
And there's more: in some events, the tugboats even add dye to the water to make the scene more beautiful and exciting. It's like a naval parade, except instead of music and flags, there's a water arch.
It's not just pretty: it also helps with work
In addition to their symbolic function, water jets can also be used to solve everyday problems. After many hours of operation, the tugboat engine can get too hot. And do you know how they help to cool it down? With these same jets.
Another common use is to clean the deck (the upper part of the ship). During the work, dirt, rope remains, oil and so on collect. That's where the jet comes in: strong, fast and direct.
And there's more: in situations where the tugboat needs to communicate with the ship it is pulling, but the radio doesn't work or the noise is disruptive, the jet serves as a visual warning. A high-flying jet can say, “Hey, something’s wrong here!” Tugboats have even used it as a distress signal when they’re in danger and need to get attention.
The scene that went viral and made everyone ask
A video circulated on social media showing a tugboat spraying water right in front of a huge cargo ship. Those who saw it were left confused. Some said they were “watering the sea,” while others compared it to what happens at airports, when planes on their inaugural flight are greeted with water arches. What few people knew was that this was full of meaning and also useful.
How does this water salve work?
To make this whole scene happen, the tugboat uses high-pressure hoses connected to powerful pumping systems. Depending on the size of the ship and the event, the jet can go very high and form giant arcs. When there is more than one tugboat at the same event, they line up and create a real show on the water.
It's so organized that it almost looks like choreography. And all of this shows that the world of sailing has its codes, its gestures and even its way of showing respect.
What does the reader take away from all this?
Knowing why tugboats use water jets helps us understand that behind every curious scene at sea, there is a lot of history, tradition and practical function. Most people ignore these details without giving them any importance, but those who are reading this now are already ahead of the game: they have learned something new that many people don't even imagine.
For those who enjoy interesting facts, for those who dream of working in shipping or just want to better understand how things work behind the scenes in maritime transport, this type of information is worth its weight in gold. And the tugboat, even though it is small compared to the enormous ships, plays a huge role at sea.
