Fremantle's little boats that could
It's a seemingly calm morning at Fremantle port and the Svitzer Falcon tugboat is making its way out past the north mole to meet a container ship.
Tug master Andrew Hart, engineer Bill Maxwell and deckhand Ron Kunnen make up one of the nine Svitzer crews who man a three-strong tug fleet at the port.
The crews are responsible for chaperoning ships in and out of the harbour with 30m-long tugboats.
While Mr Maxwell spends much of his time tinkering with machinery in the engine room, Mr Kunnen carefully hooks up the tug to visiting ships using hydraulic winches.
Mr Hart is in command and is responsible for the safety of everyone aboard.
"You get used to doing it but there are still a few moments when you hold your breath," he said.
"The boats are seaworthy but they're also uncomfortable in bad weather, so you know you're going to be fine but they throw you around."
A day in the life of the Svitzer "Falcon Tugboat" crew: The Falcon heads into rough seas to collect the OOCL PANAMA. Deckhand Ron Kunnen looks on. Picture: Michael Wilson/The West Australian
The Falcon heads into rough seas to collect the OOCL PANAMA. Picture: Michael Wilson/The West Australian
Engineer Bill Maxwell at work in the engine room. Picture: Michael Wilson/The West Australian
After spending 18 years working at Fremantle, Mr Hart, whose seafaring career has spanned three decades, knows his way around the $10 million Falcon well.
He said he was first hesitant to take the job in Fremantle but it was the best decision he had ever made.
"You're at sea, but you also get to go home at night," Mr Hart said.
The Falcon works alongside the Svitzer "Eagle" to collect the OOCL PANAMA. Pictures: Michael Wilson/The West Australian
