2.8.5.3 ON DECK MOORING AND UNMOORING
Entering or leaving a port, berthing or anchoring are often dangerous manoeuvres.
Particular care and attention is required during mooring or unmooring operations
a responsible officer should oversee the mooring operation, directing
the crew under his/her command
heaving lines and mooring lines should be in sound and proper condition
and laid out for running, unless already wound on a mooring winch
mooring lines with apparent chafing should not be used and should be
marked as such or removed
lines should be properly coiled on a mooring winch
bights, rope coils and running lines should be stayed off at
a safe distance
the correct Personal Protective Equipment – please see section
2.8.4.1 Safe working clothes – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) –
should be worn, including hard hats and properly fitted clothing to prevent
a crew member becoming caught up in
the lines
communication equipment which does not interfere with other radio waves
or bands should be used.
If lines are provided by tugs, the attending officer must pay particular attention
to whether the lines show any indication of defects or damage. If so, the
lines from the tugs should be rejected and the vessel’s lines offered
instead
particular attention should be paid when other vessels pass by the moored
vessel due to the increased strain and tension on the vessel’s mooring
lines caused by their surge
the use of both wire and polypropylene ropes at the same time should
be avoided as their elasticity differs
winch operators should have an unobstructed view of the lines they are
tending and should adjust lines as necessary to avoid excessive and sudden weight
on the lines
if the view of the winch operator is obstructed a signaller must be
in attendance
winch operators should not be responsible for any other tasks during
mooring operations.
The failure of only one piece of equipment or a failure to follow proper procedures
may result in severe personal injury or death. The Company will be exposed to
claims by the injured party or their dependants. Individuals whose fault is
involved may also face criminal investigations and possible prosecution.
The Master should ensure that sufficient crew members are available at all
mooring stations to allow for swift and efficient arrival and departure. Insufficient
or inadequate assistance of crew may be noted by attending officials and may,
in some countries, result in large fines being levied against the Master and/or
the vessel.