Maritime Operations: Mooring and Pilot Procedures

SeaManShip and Services MO, SV, and LM Competency Working Steps

• Every 2 hours, the SMS calls control to check operations.

Step 1: Receiving a Call from Control

• The Mooring Officer takes all information from control, including:
  • Berth location
  • Bollard numbers
  • Loading arms
  • Next movements
  • POB time
  • Pilot name
• Type of movement (In/Out) is determined:
  • In Bound Operation: leave the jetty and standby for pilot at 15 minutes before POB time
  • Out Bound Operation: leave the service jetty 45 minutes before operations, and standby for pilot at 15 minutes before POB time
• The Mooring Officer gives notice to the crew and supervisor 5 minutes before leaving
• The SV confirms with everyone that:
  • They have full PPE
  • They have a gate pass
  • They are fit to work
  • They have taken extra water

Step 2: Testing Communication with Pilot

• The Mooring Officer and SV test communication with the pilot and ask for the mooring plan
• Radio check includes:
  • Mooring SV: "Good Mooring- Good Afternoon- Good evening"
  • Pilot: "Loud and clear"
  • Mooring SV Aft: "Pilot, Mooring aft station loud and clear"
  • Mooring SV Forward: "Pilot, Mooring forward station loud and clear"
• The Mooring Officer confirms the mooring plan and discusses it with the team

Step 3: Tool-Box-Talk

• Topics covered:
  • Required PPE (including messenger-line and knife)
  • Safety related to mooring operation (location of life buoys, activating lifejacket, etc.)
  • Job description, mooring plan, team distribution, reporting stage to pilot, use of capstans, teamwork, and emergency procedures
  • Discussion of how to perform the operation
  • What to do if something goes wrong, calling for help, and the action plan
  • Confirmation from the crew that they understand the work
  • Checking if anyone has any questions
  • Jetty/quay inspection and report to pilot and control if anything is abnormal

Step 4: Positioning the Vessel

• Jetties:

  • Alignments:
    • Mooring Officer reports estimated alignment position once the vessel is parallel to the jetty
    • Mooring SV reports alignment position every 5m from 30m to 10m
    • Mooring SV reports alignment position every 1m from 10m to final position
  • Securing spring lines:
    • Mooring Officer joins their station and supports securing spring lines
    • Mooring Officer checks ship position and reports to pilot if adjustment is required

• Quay Side:

  • Alignments:
    • Mooring Officer reports estimated alignment position once the vessel is parallel to the quay
    • Mooring SV reports alignment position every 3 bollards from 30m to 1m
  • Securing spring lines:
    • Mooring Officer joins their station and supports securing spring lines
    • Mooring Officer checks ship position and reports to pilot if adjustment is required, taking into account gangway and mid-ship draft mark and RAM landing clearance