The Risk Assessors at UK P&I Club examine common mooring practices and highlight the relevant actions to take to reduce the risk of accidents.

“Mooring equipment on vessels inspected during the study was often found to be in an acceptable state, particularly the overall condition of the mooring winches. However, it is important that all greasing points are free, working correctly and have not been painted over, to ensure that equipment can be greased to the suitable standard. It was also found that in a number of vessels the split drums were not set up correctly, with mooring being kept on the drum ends instead of making them fast, a practice which should be avoided, as ropes made fast on drum ends are more likely to jump  and cause expensive damage.

“It was found that the majority of ropes used aboard ship were in good condition, with over 250 of the 373 vessels inspected not using spliced ropes. Where ropes are in poor or damaged condition, they should be replaced with spares. It is important that all ropes, wires and Tonsberg links used for mooring have a certificate, and it is good practice for these certificates to be clearly labelled and kept in an easily accessible file ready for inspection by Port Authorities. Spare mooring ropes, wires and links should not be stowed with paint, chemicals, or any other shipboard or general cleaning items. 

“The Club has seen a growing number of incidents occur when non-deck crew are used during mooring operations. It is important to have sufficient personnel to be able to moor the vessel safely and effectively, and all crew should be trained and be familiar with bights, snap-back zones and the hazards associated with mooring operations. 

“It is vital that time is taken to ensure that procedures are not only acceptable but that they are followed by the crew. A number of familiar factors reoccur in mooring incidents: seafarers stand in bights or snap-back zones, and when ropes part those involved are often injured. When crew with insufficient training are used during mooring operations, it is often these people who are seriously injured if something goes wrong. The person supervising mooring is also involved with operations and is unable to carry out their role effectively.

“To reduce the risk of mooring accidents, the vessel and equipment must be maintained to a high standard, all personnel should be adequately trained with the correct personal protective equipment, the correct procedures should be in place, work permits issued and all mooring operations should be supervised by a competent person. Training in mooring operations should be incorporated into the vessels regular training schedule and include all personnel who are to be involved.

“Whilst mooring injuries are the seventh most frequent cause of personal injuries in the Club they are the third most expensive per claim, indicating how serious some of these injuries can be, and highlighting the importance of taking proper safety measures.”

For further details, please contact:

Gareth David / Carolyn Monchouguy / Arran Fano / Ed Hooper

Four Broadgate

UKP&I@fourbroadgate.com

+44 20 3697 4200

Notes to editors

The UK P&I Club is a leading provider of P&I insurance and other services to the international shipping community. Established in 1865 the UK P&I Club insures over 225 million tonnes of owned and chartered shipping through its international offices and claims network. ‘A (Stable)’ rated by Standard & Poor’s with free reserves and hybrid capital of $559m the UK P&I Club is renowned for its specialist skills and expertise which ensure ‘best in class’ underwriting, claims handling and loss prevention services.

The UK P&I Club is managed by Thomas Miller, an independent and international insurance, professional and investment services provider.

www.ukpandi.com

Thomas Miller

Thomas Miller is an independent and international provider of insurance, professional and investment services. 

Founded in 1885, Thomas Miller’s origins are in the provision of management services to mutual organisations, particularly in the international transport and professional indemnity sectors; where today they manage a large percentage of the foremost insurance mutuals. Thomas Miller also manages insurance facilities for all the self-employed barristers in England & Wales, as well as trustees of pension schemes, patent agents and housing associations. 

Principal activities include:

• Management services for transport and professional indemnity insurance mutuals
• Investment and wealth management for institutions and private clients
• Professional services
• Building defects insurance