Social media users were left stunned after realizing the real reason why tugboats spray water when towing some ships.
The internet is full of wonderful things including answers to the questions you only think about briefly while in the shower.
In the latest clip that is doing the rounds on social media, users admitted to being stunned at the reason as to the massive water display put on by a tugboat.
A clip of a tugboat leading the way for a huge cargo ship while blasting out water has been going viral on X this week, with over 50 million views.
Now, tugboats aren’t exactly glamorous and often do look quite insignificant when they are dragging along impressive and unique ships behind them.
But they fulfil an important role. They act as specialist boats to assist the other vessels in or out of port.
In certain situations, they can also be used to break up ice ahead of the larger vessel, for firefighting or even anchor handling.
But the reason why these boats spray water has nothing to do with their actual function.
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It's known as a 'water salute' - a way for tugboats to either welcome or bid farewell to whichever large vessel is moving in or out of port.
Social media users admitted they had never considered this simple explanation.
“I never knew this was a thing,” one user remarked.
"Finally, an answer that makes sense,” added another.
The tradition reportedly originated in the US in the 1950s and would be performed when military ships planes departed or arrived.
Nowadays it's used to commemorate the first voyage of a vessel and some organizers even add a dash of color to the water to really make the display pop.
However, there were quite a few joke responses that are infinitely better than the actual reason.
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“It's obviously a mating display, the smaller boat (male) is trying to woo the larger ship (female) by what is known as peaco*cking. It's such an impressive natural display and we're lucky someone caught this on camera!,” one user joked.
“They are trying to disturb the water around them making the creatures of the ocean think they are bigger, thereby avoiding attacks from larger creatures such as the Kraken, Devil Whale, Godzilla etc,” a second wrote.
And my personal favorite: "You have to water the ocean so that it grows.”
FAQs
It's known as a 'water salute' - a way for tugboats to either welcome or bid farewell to whichever large vessel is moving in or out of port. Social media users admitted they had never considered this simple explanation. “I never knew this was a thing,” one user remarked.
Why do cargo ships spray water on their decks? ›
required on ships carrying flammable and/or toxic cargos for cooling, fire prevention and crew protec- tion. It is comprised of a seawater pump typically located in the engine room. It supplies high volumes of water to the cargo area and face of the superstruc- ture.
Why do big ships have water pouring out of them? ›
This water may be from rough seas, rain, leaks in the hull or stuffing box, or other interior spillage. The collected water must be pumped out to prevent the bilge from becoming too full and threatening to sink the ship. Bilge water can be found aboard almost every vessel.
Why do they spray water on the ocean? ›
Later, water spraying was extended as a form of etiquette. Large ships entering the port. will be greeted with water. Water is also sprayed to celebrate major holidays.
Why do tug boats shoot out water? ›
But the reason why these boats spray water has nothing to do with their actual function. It's known as a 'water salute' - a way for tugboats to either welcome or bid farewell to whichever large vessel is moving in or out of port.
Why do tugboats spray water into the air when towing? ›
Tugboats do this, called a Water Salute. It's a ceremonial custom, celebrating the arrival or leaving of a particular vessel. The water is sprayed from the firefighting hoses on the tugs, and is sometimes coloured.
Why do ships eject water? ›
Ballast water is pumped out into the ocean when it is no longer needed (when the weight of the ship needs to be lightened) – for example, when the ship is taking on cargo.
Why do boat engines shoot water? ›
Why do outboards have a small stream of water coming from them? This stream has no purpose other than to let you know that the impeller is working! The impeller pumps water into the engine to help cool it and then usually pumps it back out the exhaust with the exhaust gases!
Why do boats get water in the bilge? ›
Bilge water is water that does not drain off the side of the deck or through the scupper, and is typically caused by rough seas, excess rain, or untreated leaks in the boat's hull. It is also commonly caused by mast drip, window leaks, excess condensation, or hose pipes that have been compromised by rot and rust.
Why do big ships not sink? ›
A ship which has a large weight displace a large volume (thus large weight) of water. Hence the buoyancy force acting on the ship is much greater than the weight of the ship itself, making it to float on water. Thus ship do not sink in water.
Technology and Navigation: Advanced navigation systems and weather forecasting technologies enable ships to avoid the most severe parts of a storm. By altering their course, ships can navigate around the most dangerous waves and reduce the impact of the storm.
Why can't you go in the ocean after it rains? ›
The general rule for swimming after rain
After a big deluge, overflowing stormwater and sewerage flow into the ocean, rivers and lakes, polluting the water with bacteria, viruses and chemicals.
Why isn't ocean water drinkable? ›
Drinking seawater can be deadly to humans.
Seawater contains salt. When humans drink seawater, their cells are thus taking in water and salt. While humans can safely ingest small amounts of salt, the salt content in seawater is much higher than what can be processed by the human body.
Why do you have to shower after swimming in the ocean? ›
Protection Against Recreational Water Illnesses
As you swim, harmful pathogens can adhere to your skin. Taking a shower with warm water and mild soap helps to remove these pathogens, reducing the likelihood of infection.
Why do they spray water in front of cargo ships before they dock? ›
The main reason why tugboats spray water is to keep the bilges of the boats clean, with less load.
Why do cargo ships pump out water? ›
Loading and Unloading Cargo: Ballast water may be pumped out when a ship is loading or unloading cargo to adjust its weight and balance. This helps ensure the ship remains stable and doesn't become too heavy or unmanageable during the cargo handling process.
Why do ships carry ballast water? ›
Ballast water is pumped in to maintain safe operating conditions throughout a voyage. This practice reduces stress on the hull, provides transverse stability, improves propulsion and manoeuvrability, and compensates for weight changes in various cargo load levels and due to fuel and water consumption.
Why do sailors stand on deck when entering port? ›
Manning the rail is a method of saluting (or rendering honors) used by naval vessels. The custom evolved from that of "manning the yards", which dates from the days of sail.
