Tug assistance is considered compulsory to ocean-going ships in Mauritius. We, as Port Agent in Mauritius, do the necessary arrangement for ships to manoeuvre to and from their berth. The need for tug assistance varies with the ship's size, weather condition and also the complexity of the waterways. Tugs in the port are owned by the Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA). We, Port Agency Services, arrange for tug assistance in the port to ensure safety of an operation in case of technical failure of a ship and also, in emergency situations for example, rescuing human life. As port tugs are always booked, it is very difficult or near impossible to have them assist operations outside of the port daily routine tasks or emergency situations.