Maritime Risk Focus: Mooring

(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) Mooring operations are consistently ranked among the most hazardous activities in the maritime industry. Despite being a routine part of shipboard life, these operations involve a volatile mix of heavy equipment, unpredictable environmental forces, and high-pressure decision-making. Failures in this area often lead to catastrophic injuries, fatalities, and multi-million dollar insurance claims.

A recent data-driven study by the UK P&I Club, involving inspections of 373 vessels over 12 months, sheds light on the current state of mooring safety. While technical maintenance is improving, significant gaps in operational safety and the "human element" persist.

Key Findings: Maintenance vs. Operation

The report reveals a stark contrast between the physical condition of equipment and how it is actually used on deck.

• Equipment Condition: Generally, the overall state of winches, ropes, bitts, and fairleads was found to be satisfactory. This suggests that fleet-wide maintenance programs are effectively keeping hardware in working order.
• Operational Deficiencies: Physical maintenance does not always equal safety. The analysis highlighted recurring issues that increase the risk of "snap-back" incidents and equipment failure, including:
  • Improper Storage: Mooring lines not stored according to manufacturer guidelines.
  • Brake Testing Gaps: Inadequate or infrequent winch brake rendering limit tests.
  • Deck Safety: Lack of non-slip surfaces in high-traffic working areas.
  • Mixed Moorings: The dangerous practice of using wires and synthetic ropes in the same direction.

The Human Element: The Critical Risk Factor

Technical reliability is often undermined by human error. The UK P&I Club analysis identified the human element as the primary contributor to mooring accidents.

Common Safety Breaches:

1. Snap-Back Zone Awareness: Crew members were frequently observed standing in identified snap-back zones or rope bights.
2. Supervision Gaps: A lack of effective oversight by senior officers during complex maneuvers.
3. ISM Disconnect: A noticeable gap between documented Safety Management Systems (SMS) and the actual practices performed by seafarers on deck.
4. Training Shortfalls: Insufficient practical training regarding specific mooring configurations and equipment limitations.

Actionable Measures for Enhanced Mooring Safety

To bridge the gap between compliance and safety, shipowners, managers, and crews should prioritize the following:

Strengthening Mooring DisciplineIn the maritime sector, a single failure during a mooring operation can have devastating human and financial consequences. The UK P&I Club findings serve as a vital reminder that good equipment is only half the battle.

True safety requires a robust safety culture where procedural implementation matches the technical quality of the gear. Strengthening mooring discipline remains a critical priority for reducing accidents and ensuring every seafarer returns home safely.

For more info, click below to download the paper from UK P&I club:

Videos on safe mooring

The below videos produced by the European Harbour Masters’ Committee, a regional committee of the International Harbour Masters’ Association, support the effort of IMO in making ship mooring operations safer for the ship and their crews, as well as shore-based mooring personnel.

1. Importance of safe mooring

2. Mooring Plan

3. Mooring plan execution

4. Best practices during adverse conditions

5. How to maintain mooring lines (including maintaining records)

6. How to maintain mooring winches (including maintaining records)

7. How to select and install new mooring lines and tails

For more guides and resources on Safe Mooring, Click HERE