Abstract: An improved apparatus for controlling the relative course of travel between a barge and a push boat wherein the stern of the barge and the bow of the push boat are directly connected together by a connecting mechanism which permits relative freedom of movement of the boat and barge and the rudder angle of the push boat is controlled by the relative drift angle between the barge and boat occurring at the connecting mechanism.

Abstract: The coupling mechanism comprises a pair of spaced connecting rods secured to the stern of a barge and apparatus mounted on the tug for receiving the connecting rods. The rod receiving apparatus comprises a pair of vertical circular disc members each having a diameter smaller than the spacing between the connecting rods. Contact members are secured to the peripheries of the circular disc members to form a V shaped groove therebetween for receiving the connecting rods. The circular disc members are urged toward each other by a spring, and stop members are provided to limit the rotational movement of the circular disc members. A cushion member is provided to absorb the shock created when the tug and barge are coupled together. Further, a holding device is provided for holding the coupling mechanism in an operative state or in an inoperative state.