Mooring and unmooring operations, including the handling of tugs lines and anchoring, are highly hazardous operations. For further guidance, crew should refer to the UK Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers.

Proper precautions must be observed at all times to prevent accidents. The following are some guidelines to ensure safety during these operations:

• Always use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment including safety helmets, safety shoes and gloves.
• Stand well clear of all lines when under load.
• Watch your feet. Do not step into a coil or loop.
• Always ensure that the winch operator can see the person in charge.
• Ensure all equipment is operational and well maintained.
• Report all defects and ensure that action is taken to address them.
• Mooring areas are to be free from obstructions and must be adequately illuminated at night.
• Ensure that all safety devices for mooring power supplies are in place and operational.
The relevant publications in the Reference Publications Index are to be consulted for more comprehensive guidance on safe mooring.

1. Maintenance of Mooring Equipment
The Master is responsible for ensuring that regular, thorough inspections are conducted and that maintenance is carried out on all mooring equipment. This should be in accordance with the planned maintenance system in place and at more frequent intervals should the Master deem this to be necessary. A record of all inspections and work is to be maintained.

Wire ropes are to be lubricated regularly using a recognised wire rope lubricant. On no account are home-made lubricants to be used as these can lead to pollution claims against the vessel. Particular attention must be made to ensure that lubricants are penetrating to the inner layers to prevent internal corrosion that could result in failure of the wire.

Care must be taken to ensure that the brakes are kept in good condition and clean. Oil, moisture or heavy rust on the brake linings or brake drum can reduce the holding capacity by up to 75%.

2. Certification
All mooring lines, wires, tails, links and other such equipment must have a proper certificate and this must be retained on file. The Master must ensure that the date that any particular item enters into service is either recorded in an equipment register or is clearly marked on the certificate. 

Refer to section B02 Navigation and the UK Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers.

It must be remembered that towing operations may place excessive loads on ropes, leads and connections. The safe working load of all equipment must be known and clearly marked on all equipment.

Prior to commencing any emergency tow, the Master must make reference to the Ship’s emergency towing booklet and a suitable plan must be agreed between the vessels.

Once the tow is in place, all personnel must keep well clear of the towing area unless essential work must be carried out to ensure the safety of those aboard the ship. In such a circumstance the Master must weigh up the risk associated with not carrying out the work and must be absolutely satisfied that that risk is greater than the risk of having personnel in an operational towing area.