The International Group of P&I Clubs (IGP&I) has recently released a safety guide to help prevent injuries and loss of life during mooring operations.
Mooring is a dynamic operation where members of the mooring party are constantly responding to a changing situation. According to International Group of P&I Clubs, the guidance has been developed as a learning aid and may be used to facilitate discussion on board. This guide can be used in conjunction with the mooring animation produced by the International Group of P&I Clubs.
The International Group of P&I Clubs advises that:
- One of the most important things to bear in mind when working on a mooring deck is the danger of a mooring rope snapping back.
- Anyone standing in a snap back zone during line failure may be seriously injured, or killed, due to the very large forces involved.
- A snap back zone can change depending on the:
1. mooring configuration,
2. weather conditions or,
3. type of mooring rope used. - According to the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP):
the painting of snap-back zones on mooring decks should be avoided because they may give a false sense of security
So the entire mooring deck should be treated as a potential snap back zone.
- Different members of the mooring party will have different levels of skill and experience.
- Experienced members of the mooring party could become complacent to the risks while newer members of the mooring party might be inexperienced and afraid to ask questions.
- Every member of the mooring party should know and understand what is to be done, how it’s going to be done and what their role is.
- An open discussion before starting a job – the ‘toolbox talk’ – helps make sure everyone involved knows the plan. It is the responsibility of the leader to encourage discussion and ensure that all members of the mooring party ask questions if in any doubt whatsoever.
