Mooring Safety Procedures PDF

MIND THE TENSION WATCH OUT FOR ROPE TENSION PREVENT SNAP BACK INJURY  Objectives Identify the hazards involved in mooring operations. Spread situational awareness to control and mitigate potential hazards. Provide information that will help create...

MIND THE TENSION WATCH OUT FOR ROPE TENSION PREVENT SNAP BACK INJURY  Objectives Identify the hazards involved in mooring operations. Spread situational awareness to control and mitigate potential hazards. Provide information that will help create a safer work environment. Promote clear, effective communication between crew members, officers, and the bridge team to ensure smooth, coordinated mooring operations. Encourage all personnel to implement best mooring safety practices onboard to avoid related injuries.  Introduction Mooring is a vital yet high-risk operation that demands constant attention to detail. The forces involved in securing a vessel are significant, and improper handling of mooring lines can lead to dangerous snap back incidents caused by sudden tension release. These incidents pose serious risks, including severe injuries or fatalities. In this campaign, "Mind the Tension," we focus on raising awareness about the importance of monitoring line tension and avoiding snap back zones. By emphasising safe practices, proper communication, and vigilance during mooring operations, we aim to reduce risks and protect the crew. A well-managed mooring process, with clear focus on tension control, helps ensure that every operation is performed safely and efficiently. Mooring Arrangement Mooring Arrangement This refers to the layout and configuration of mooring lines and equipment used to secure a vessel to a dock, jetty, or other anchorage point. The arrangement is designed based on the vessel's size, type, and the environmental condition. Proper mooring ensures the vessel remains stable and secure under various forces like wind, tide, and current. Mooring Lines Bow and Stern Lines: These lines run from the front (bow) and back (stern) of the vessel to the securing points, helping prevent forward and backward movement. Breast Lines: Placed perpendicular to the vessel, these lines hold the vessel close, preventing lateral movement. Spring Lines: These are placed diagonally from the vessel’s bow and stern to the securing points, preventing longitudinal movement (backward and forward). They absorb the energy from the forces acting along the length of the vessel.  Mooring Equipment Bollards: Heavy posts on the dock/vessel to which mooring lines are tied. Capstans and Winches Devices used to tighten and adjust the tension of mooring lines. Fairleads and Roller Chocks These guide mooring lines, ensuring they run smoothly without getting entangled or damaged.  Key Components Snap Back Zones Areas around the mooring lines where the lines could recoil violently if they break under tension. These zones must be kept clear during mooring operations to avoid injuries. Mooring Man A person assisting to secure ships to the dock/jetty by tying ropes (lines) to bollards. When a ship sets sail, the mooring men are once again called upon, but this time to unmoor the ship.  Types of mooring arrangement Stern to Mooring A procedure where the vessel comes alongside perpendicular to the po\rt/jetty by stern and securing the vessel using the stern mooring ropes. Side to Mooring A procedure where the vessel comes alongside parallel to the port/jetty by port/starboard side of the vessel and securing the vessel using head, breast, spring and stern lines.  Importance Stability and Security of the Vessel Mooring keeps the vessel securely in place, preventing it from drifting or moving uncontrollably, especially in adverse weather conditions. Safety of the Crew Safe mooring prevents incidents such as snap back, where lines can recoil under tension, potentially causing severe injuries or fatalities. Efficient Cargo and Passenger Transfer A well-secured vessel enables safe loading and unloading of cargo, passengers, or fuel, contributing to efficient port operations. Preventing Damage Improper mooring can result in the vessel colliding with the dock or nearby ships, leading to costly damages or environmental hazards like oil spills. Hazards Snap Back Incidents Mooring lines under tension can suddenly break or be released, causing the line to recoil violently. This snap back can strike crew members, leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Line Failure and Breakage: Mooring lines, when exposed to excessive stress, wear, or environmental factors, can break unexpectedly. This not only creates safety hazards but also risks vessel stability and damage to port infrastructure. Tension Imbalance Uneven tension in mooring lines can cause instability. If one line is too tight or another too loose, it can result in line failure or the vessel drifting away from its secured position.  Hazards Shortcuts/Improvising Mooring bollards are highly stable and designed to provide secure tie-up points for mooring lines. Never consider using improvised securing points to attached mooring ropes such as ladders, platform legs etc. to avoid incidents. Poor Communication A communication breakdown can result in confusion between what is said and what is understood. This lack of mutual understanding can lead to injuries or an incident. Exposure to Direct Sunlight Excessive heat/sunlight can damage synthetic fibre ropes. Coils of polypropylene and polyethylene should not be stored under direct sunlight. Overload Having multiple ropes on a single bollard can exceed the safe working load of the bollard. This could lead to property damage and personnel injury should the bollard fail.  Hazards Crushed or Trapped Crew Members Crew working near winches, capstans, or cleats can be at risk of getting caught, crushed, or trapped between moving lines and equipment, especially when lines are being adjusted or tightened. Weather-Related Risks: Wind, currents, and tides can increase the force on mooring lines, causing unexpected shifts or creating more tension, raising the likelihood of an incident. Equipment Malfunctions: Failure of mooring winches, bollards, or other equipment can lead to sudden loss of control over the mooring lines, creating dangerous situations for the crew handling them. Fatigue and Human Error Fatigued or poorly trained crew members may overlook critical safety checks, miscommunicate, or fail to recognise hazards during mooring operations, increasing the risk of incidents.  Safe Practices Housekeeping You should eliminate any hazards that block passage and access to mooring stations by removing all obstacles and barriers from such areas. Anti-Slip Deck Use anti-slip paints or gratings at mooring stations to avoid slip risks during mooring operations. Good Seamanship When heaving or slacking a rope, care should be taken so as to ensure that the turns on the drum are taken uniformly with sufficient tightness, avoiding any loose or extreme tight turns which can cause the rope to get chaffed in between the turns and develop a kink. Safe Practices Monitor Tension in Mooring Lines Regularly check the tension of mooring lines to ensure they are neither too tight nor too loose. Situational Awareness The crew must be aware of where they are standing while handling ropes or when near them. It must be repeated that they should NEVER stand in the bight of a rope as such entanglement incidents can be fatal. Use Proper Equipment Ensure mooring lines, winches, and bollards are well- maintained and appropriate for the vessel’s size and the environmental conditions. Regularly inspect mooring lines for wear and tear, and replace damaged lines to reduce the risk of breakage.  Safe Practices Clear Communication Effective communication is vital during mooring operations. Use clear signals and radios to ensure that all crew members are aware of ongoing tasks and any potential hazards. Training Conduct regular safety training sessions focused on mooring operations, including the correct handling of lines and the recognition of snap back zones Good Seamanship Maintain a safe, visible line of sight with the lines and equipment to quickly identify any changes in tension or line behavior. Keep hands, feet, and loose clothing clear of moving lines and equipment to avoid entanglement or injury. Safe Practices Stay Aware of Environmental Conditions Wind, tides, and currents can significantly affect mooring operations. Always take these factors into account to adjust the tension and positioning of mooring lines accordingly. Use Mooring Equipment Safely Ensure that winches and other mooring machinery are operated only by trained personnel to minimise the risk of equipment failure or incidents. Regularly maintain and inspect winches, capstans, and other mooring tools to ensure they are in good working condition. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) All crew members involved in mooring operations should wear appropriate PPE, such as coveralls, gloves, glasses, helmets, floatation devices and steel-toed boots, to protect against potential hazards.  Safety Discussion 1. How can crew members identify snap back zones, and what precautions should they take to avoid entering these hazardous areas? 2. In your experience, what are the most effective ways to monitor and manage the tension in mooring lines to prevent line failure or incidents? Discuss with the crew and send attendance sheet to [email protected] “By the end of the month an HSE representative will interview a random crew on a random vessel for feedbacks, lesson learned and improvements “ THANK YOU