Based on the risk assessment conducted before mooring, appropriate and suitable control measures should be put in place. It is particularly important that the risk assessment considers the consequences of failure of any equipment.
Before mooring takes place, all seafarers should be adequately briefed on the mooring configurations, including any limitations of the mooring equipment, and correctly dressed in appropriate PPE.
During the mooring operation the mooring crew need to be aware of the ship movement and the condition of the tide, and possible influence of it, and passing traffic.
During mooring and unmooring operations, there should be enough seafarers available both forward and aft of the vessel to ensure a safe operation in line with RA’s. The responsible person should have a clear line of sight to all lines and members of the mooring parties. A suitable means of communication must be established between the responsible person, mooring parties, and the vessel’s bridge.
The entire area of mooring should be considered dangerous because of the possible snap-back or the sudden release of a line under tension. The risk of a snagged mooring line suddenly releasing under tension should be taken into consideration. All involved parties should be aware of the hazards and risks, therefore, extra caution should be exercised. Warning signages should be provided to keep seafarers not involved in the activity away.
Areas where mooring operations are to be undertaken should be kept tidy and clutter free.
Equipment used in mooring operations should be regularly inspected for defects. Any defects should be recorded and reported. DO NOT USE DAMAGED EQUIPMENT.
Important points to remember during mooring operations:
- Carry out or review a risk assessment before undertaking mooring operation
- All personnel operating in the area of mooring ropes should be aware of the associated dangers
- Don’t allow any extra personnel on the deck
- Consider weather conditions
- Have knowledge of snap back zone and rope bights
- Inspect and check all mooring equipment
- Keep a check on the mooring line loads
- Operatives must wear the correct PPE as detailed in the risk assessment and or safe system of work
- Mooring operatives should, at all the times, follow safe manual handling techniques
- Do not take it for granted that your colleagues are safe. Check and be sure
- Do not use damaged or suspect ropes, report them
- Do not abuse ropes
Think, be sure, be safe.