Mooring/Anchoring Operations Flashcards
What are Spring lines?
These are the first lines sent ashore on arrival.
They are used to move the vessel forward and aft along the quayside.
They also prevent any unwanted movement forward and aft.
Making sure the vessel is in the correct position before sending other lines ashore.
What are breast lines?
These lines are used to hold the vessel alongside and prevent lateral movement.
These lines are sent ashore after the spring lines.
Very important lines, especially with strong offshore winds.
What are head/stern lines?
These lines help keep the head and stern of the vessel kept alongside.
They also prevent forward and aft movement of the ship.
What makes a safe and efficient mooring operation?
Discuss the plan of action with the master and pilot (number of lines, order of lines and which side).
Have a toolbox talk/discuss the plan with your team.
Remind all personnel of the dangers, snap back zones.
Risk assessment/ permit to work.
Ensure correct PPE and sufficient personnel.
Ensure the mooring area is tidy, minimise trip hazards.
Test communication with the bridge.
Test and check equipment (winches, fairleads, rollers).
Flake out ropes.
Monkey fists only – no weights.
Don’t overload the tension drum.
Keep good communication between the team.
Place rat guards.
Debrief on how the operation went.
What documents should be referred to when carrying out an anchoring operation?
- COSWP, chapter 8, 11- Safe Movement on Board ship & 26 anchoring, mooring and towing operations.
- Company SMS.
What are the preparations that need to be made before anchoring?
Inform E/R.
Adequate lighting on the deck.
Adequate personnel.
Crew briefing and check of PPE.
Check communications.
Check for any hazards in the area and them clear away as needed.
Check bitter end and means of release in an emergency.
Check for any leaks and carry out visual checks.
Remove cover and lashings.
Engage gear, 1st brake test.
Inform the bridge, the anchor is ready for walking out.
What is required to successfully execute an anchoring operation?
Check over the sides all is clear.
Remove the bow stopper.
Take off the brake.
Walk out until just above the waterline.
On brake, 2nd brake test.
Off brake heave until just outside hawsepipe.
On brake and disengage gear.
Report anchor ready to let go.
How long is a shackle?
27.5m
What considerations should be made when determining how much anchor chain to pay out?
1.5 x Square root of the water depth.
What are the different types of mooring?
- Running moor.
- Open moor.
- Baltic moor.
- Mediterranean moor.
How is a running moor carried out?
- The vessels speed must be kept at a minimum.
- The vessel should proceed towards the swinging point heading into the current
- When the bow of the ship is in the swinging point, the windward anchor should be let go and the cable paid out to 10 shackles, the vessel must continue steaming into the tidal stream.
- When the weight begins to come on to the windward anchor, the speed should be checked and then the leeward anchor should be let go.
- The vessel should now be too full astern, at the same time laying out cable on the leeward anchor and reducing the windward anchor to 4 shackles.
- This will then bring the vessel to the swinging position with both anchors laid out.
How is a standing moor carried out?
- Keep vessel speed to a minimum.
- Head upstream towards the swinging point.
- Once the vessel is in position and the speed over ground is 0, let go of the port anchor.
- Layout the cables as the vessel heads away from the swinging position until 10 cables have been laid out.
- Once the weight is on the port anchor, let go of the starboard anchor.
- Heave the vessel towards the swinging position, by shortening the port anchor and laying out the cable of the starboard anchor.
- Do this until the vessel is in position.
How is a open moor carried out?
- Keep the vessel at a slow speed.
- Head upwind or toward the current when in position let go of the starboard anchor.
- Swing the vessel to port, and at the same time let the cable out the on starboard anchor.
- Once the weight has been taken on the starboard anchor and the vessels speed slows, release the port anchor.
- Let the vessel drift astern or use astern propulsion if needed, picking up cable on the starboard anchor and letting out cable on the port anchor.
- When in position adjust the anchor length to achieve the desired position.
Why is a Standing moor used?
An open moor is used to increase holding power when there is a danger of dragging, both anchors are used.
This could be used due to high winds or poor holding ground.
It must only be used if current and wind maintain constant.
What are the advantages of a running moor?
The swinging position is passed only once.
Quicker operation.
When is a Baltic moor used?
It’s used in ports where there is a persistent onshore wind to assist with berthing.
How is a Mediterranean moor carried out?
- The vessel should approach parallel to the berth.
- When in position for the first anchor drop, the anchor furthest away from the berth should be let go, and cable paid out.
- The vessel should go astern as necessary.
- As the vessel back towards the berth the other anchor must be let go and both cables paid out.
- When close enough stern lines must be sent ashore.
When is a Mediterranean moor used?
This is used when one or more vessels are required to birth on the same quay.
This is also used with some vessels having stern discharge arrangements.
This moor requires a lot of skill and experience when there are crosswinds.
The anchors must be let go in the exact position to avoid any further issues.
