Urgent Call to Address Mooring Failures
Recent investigations by Gard have highlighted alarming incidents of mooring failures during heavy weather, raising serious safety concerns for vessels and port users. A notable incident involved a cruise ship breakaway that resulted in passengers falling from the gangway. Experts emphasize that understanding the factors contributing to these risks is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring maritime safety.
Identifying and Mitigating Mooring Risks
Mooring failures pose significant dangers to both crew and vessels, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Gard’s findings indicate that many mooring lines are not adequately inspected or replaced, creating potential hazards. The responsibility often falls on shipowners, as regulatory oversight of port and terminal mooring arrangements can be minimal. Additionally, the infrastructure at berths may not be equipped to handle the increasing size of modern vessels or the severity of weather events.
Instances of shore bollard failures have been documented, underscoring the importance of verifying the condition and certification of mooring equipment. Investigations have shown that mooring configurations can be suboptimal, with limiting wind speeds set too high, leading to dangerous situations such as oil spills during tanker breakaways. To enhance safety, the European Harbour Masters’ Committee has produced guidance on best mooring practices and recommended limiting wind speeds.
Effective mooring plans should include contingency measures, especially for high-sided vessels or those docked near hazards. With more accurate weather forecasts available in port, crews can better prepare for sudden changes in conditions. Ships should establish clear guidelines on when to implement additional control measures based on forecasted weather. When severe weather is anticipated, proactive steps such as adjusting mooring lines and utilizing anchors or thrusters can be critical. However, if conditions worsen unexpectedly, it may be too late for tugs to intervene effectively.
Historical data reveals that timely requests for tug assistance can significantly impact outcomes. In several cases, tugs arrived too late to prevent breakaways, highlighting the need for prudent decision-making and early action. Beyond protecting the vessel, proactive measures are essential to safeguard crew and passengers, including suspending gangway access and securing deck furniture that could become hazardous in high winds.
Strategic Planning for Departure
When faced with heavy weather, port authorities may instruct vessels to leave their berths to avoid damage. In these situations, a thorough risk assessment is vital. The ship’s master must balance safety concerns with operational pressures, often relying on support from shore-based teams. Effective communication with local authorities can provide valuable insights into available options and decision-making processes.
Mechanical Issues Cause Ferry Cancellations on Departure Bay Route
Before departing, the ship’s status, including the functionality of machinery and equipment, must be assessed. Even with everything operational, challenges such as reduced propeller immersion or shifting cargo can complicate the situation. Remaining in port, even at a less sheltered location, may prevent the loss of control that could occur during departure. Factors such as the vessel’s maneuverability and the ability to navigate away from shallow waters must be carefully considered in the passage plan.
Heavy weather can impose adverse loads on engines, potentially leading to power loss. A recent investigation highlighted a case where a vessel lost power while attempting to leave port, resulting in a dangerous drift toward a lee shore. Fortunately, the crew was able to deploy anchors just in time to avert disaster. This incident illustrates the critical need for effective communication and coordination among crew members and shore-based support during adverse conditions.
