UK Maritime Coastguard Agency issued a marine circular to provide assistance on mooring and unmooring operations, and when it is permissible for vessels to self-moor.
“A recommendation has been made to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (2020/118) to amend the Code of Safe Working Practices for Seafarers to provide guidance on mooring and unmooring operations, and when it is permissible for vessels to self-moor”
According to the circular, the following guidance will be added to the next COSWP Amendment, as a new Section 26.7 and new Annex 26.3 Examples of mooring arrangements.
Safe self-mooring operations
- Where reasonably practicable, appropriately trained shore-side personnel should be available to assist with mooring operations.
- However, it is recognised that the act of mooring or unmooring a vessel with the exclusive use of the vessel’s crew (self-mooring) – a common occurrence in the small vessel sector – may be a reasonably practicable operation provided that the unique hazards have been mitigated.
- A safe system of work for the activity, incorporating a risk assessment and method statement, should be provided. Such documents should consider that access to some quays, jetties, berths and terminals may give rise to additional risk; for example, working at height, water safety, restricted working areas, unguarded edges and vertical ladders. Additionally, consideration shall be given to the size and type of vessel in relation to the
berth and/or mooring buoy, the potential dangers posed to personnel from the prevailing environmental conditions, communication between those involved and appropriate supervision by a competent person. - As many berths may not have been designed for the conduct of self-mooring, risk assessments should be carried out in collaboration with the berth operator/owner to address such shared risks.
- Seafarers and other workers engaged in the operation have a responsibility for the health and safety of themselves, or any other person onboard the vessel who may be affected by the conduct of the operation.The Master or Coxswain of a vessel remains responsible for the safety of their crew during self-mooring operations and implementation of the control measures in the company risk assessment, including all foreseeable hazards such as unintentional entry into the water and if the craft is moving in a way posing a risk of crushing or other injuries.
- Consideration should be given to posting a member of the crew, with good communication with the helmsman, to monitor that those leaving and returning to the vessel do so safely.
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