1. Home
  2. Publications
  3. Gard Guidance to Masters
  4. Part 2 Loss Prevention
  5. 2.16 Matters affecting voyage performance
  6. 2.16.5 Damage to fixed and floating objects (FFO)
  7. 2.16.5.2 Objects likely to be damaged
Rate this article:  

Table of contents

2.16.5.2 Objects likely to be damaged

Gard Guidance Masters

2.16.5.2 OBJECTS LIKELY TO BE DAMAGED

A wide range of objects may fall into this category, such as

  • shore gantry cranes
  • supply pipes, e.g. water and gas
  • piers
  • jetties
  • locks and lock gates
  • navigational aids such as buoys and even lighthouses
  • fishing gear and aqua farms, particularly near the coastline.

    Damage to FFO tends to occur in confined waters mainly when a pilot is in attendance. To ensure vigilance at all times, the Master should

  • closely monitor the navigation of the vessel on leaving and entering a port under pilot assistance
  • provide the pilot with the completed MPX form, please see Annex 6
  • collect from the pilot the MPX form, please see Annex 7
  • refuse to let the pilot take over the helm (unless necessary in the circumstances).

    Please see also section 2.13.5 Pilot assistance.

    Damage to berths and jetties can in many cases be prevented if sufficient tug assistance is used. In circumstances where there are strong currents and tides or strong winds, the Master should always consider using tug assistance or delaying the manoeuvre until the prevailing situation improves.

    When swinging off the berth before berthing, the Master should ensure that the tugs have brought the vessel under control sufficiently far off the berth before final approach.

    Replacement towing lines should be available on the vessel and ready to be deployed if the tug’s line is rejected due to its poor condition or if the tug’s line parts.

    On leaving or entering a berth where container or other gantry cranes are located close to the quayside, the Master should

  • verify the vessel’s highest point (air draught), i.e. aerial or mast
  • verify with the pilot the air clearance of the gantry cranes
  • reduce speed in time on approach to the shore installation
  • avoid coming into contact with the shore installation.