Section: DP-003
Date of Issue: 01-07-2002
Fleet Management BRIDGE & DECK Issue No.: 1
Department PROCEDURES Revision No.: 0
Page: 1 of 2
3.0 MOORING OPERATIONS
The full Deck Complement shall be used at all times for all mooring
operations, under the supervision of Certificated Deck Officers. Only trained
personnel shall be used in winch or windlass operation. The correct safe
working gear, including safety shoes and safety helmets, shall be worn.
3.1 Precautions
z Only properly trained personnel shall operate the winch controls. When
the winch controls are being operated by a trained person other than the
Deck Officer they shall strictly follow the signals given by the Deck
Officer.
z After making fast tugs the bridge shall be informed and advised of the
tug’s name.
z Letting go of tugs shall only to be carried out on the order from the
Bridge. Tugs lines shall be lowered to the tug wherever possible. The
Bridge shall be informed when the tug is finally clear of the vessel.
z Man-made fibre ropes shall not be surged on drum ends.
z Mooring arrangement shall be at the decision of the Master, taking into
consideration all local conditions.
z Rope/wire types shall not be mixed, i.e. on a vessel with two wires they
should both be used as springs, with the remaining ropes used as
headropes.
z At all times the bow thruster shall be kept clear.
z At all times the stern propeller area shall be kept clear. During operations
inform Bridge at any time the propeller is not clear.
z Once the vessel is alongside and made fast, both anchor cables shall be
secured by the stopper or clamp system and brake only. Consideration
shall always be given to ensuring release can be as quickly as possible.
z The Bridge shall be kept fully informed by the Certificated Deck Officers
of the distances off other vessels, quays, navigation marks, or other
obstructions, and whether that distance is increasing or decreasing.
Section: DP-003
Date of Issue: 01-07-2002
Fleet Management BRIDGE & DECK Issue No.: 1
Department PROCEDURES Revision No.: 0
Page: 2 of 2
3.2 On Completion Of Berthing Operation
z Winches shall only be placed in auto tension upon order of the
Bridge.
z The Certificated Deck Officer shall verify the operation of the
auto tension system.
z The mooring team shall not leave the mooring space until
permission has been received from the Bridge to do so.
3.3 On Completion Of Unberthing Operation
z The mooring spaces are to be prepared for the forthcoming sea voyage as
required i.e. covers on ropes, ropes stowed, heaving lines and stoppers
stowed, space heaters on etc.
z The Certificated Deck Officer shall ensure the mooring space has been
properly cleared, brakes applied to winches, power off winches, and all
watertighted accesses secured.
z The Certificated Deck Officer shall inform the Bridge when the mooring
space has been vacated.
3.4 Inspection And Defects
z For vessels with winch cooling systems regular tests shall be made that
good cooling water pressure is being supplied. Also that the High
Temperature Alarm is tested/checked regularly. These tests or checks are
to be entered into the Deck Log Book by the Chief Officer. FTS FMD
OOCL HKG shall be informed of any failure to these systems so that
repair can be arranged.
z Regular check shall be made of the condition of ropes and wires used for
mooring by following the recommendations laid down in the “Code of
Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seaman”.
z Ropes shall be stored in an approved store, clear of chemicals, oils or
other contaminating substances and coiled down on wooden gratings.
These stores shall be inspected regularly for their cleanliness.
z Covers shall be fitted to all sunlight-exposed ropes during long ocean
passages. These shall be regularly checked during the passage.