OCIMF_Mooring_Equipment_Guidelines_(Second_Edition)

1.7 TERMINAL MOORING SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

Good mooring managemel1l requires the application of sound principles, well maintained equipment,
trained personnel and, most importantly, proper co-ordination and interactiol) between ship and
shore.

While tbe safety of the vessel and hence its proper mooring is the prime responsibility of the Master,
the terminal, because of its knowkdge of Lhe operating environment at its site and its equipment,
should be in the best position 10 advise the Master regarding mooring line layout and operating
limitations.

The respon ·ibilitie! and arrangements faT mutual checking of moorings. cargo tralL'ifer and other
aspects of the ship shore interface are covered under t.he ship/shore check list.

Mooring equipment of existing tankers varies widely, ranging from synthetic mooring ropes, mixed
moorings (synthetic ropes and wire lines), all wire moorings (with and without synthetic tails) to
modern synthetic "high modulus" systems. Rated brake capacities, winch and fairlead locations can
vary significantly from sb.ip to ship. Shj p crews will have varying degrees of expertise in mooring
mallers and varying philosophic.. concerning maintenance and/or replacement of critkaJ items of
moori.ng equipment.

The terminal can utilize a number of concepts in modern moorillg management to reduce the
possibility of ship break-out. These are:

• To develop guidelines for the safe mooring of vessels for the operating environment existing
  at the terminal.


• To obtain information from the shjp prior (0 arrival concerning the snip's ·mooring equipment


• To examine tbe sbip's mooring equipment after berl'hing to determine what modification,
  if any, mus t be made to st andard guidelines in view of the state of maintenance, training of
  crew, elc.


• To in peet line tending pen d icaUy either vis ua lly or by the mSITumentarion of mooring. hooks.


• To take whatever action is deemed appropriate to ensure stoppage of cargo transfer, dis-
  connection of loading arms and removal from bert.h of the ship shouJd the ship fail to take
  appropriate measures to enSlIre safety of m ooring.

1.7.1 Operaling Limits

Another irnporrant aspect iD restraining tbe ship at its berth is the movement of tbe ship. No simple

formula can be offered for the ship movement. alt.hough th:is is generally included in the outllut

of computer calculations. Movement of the ship due to environmental loads can exceed loading arm

operating limits before the strenglh limits in the mooring lines are reached. Similarly limits and

requirements may apply to gangways, particularly shore-based equipment incorporal.ing a tower or a

long span from the jelly to the ship. This is especially true for synthetic line systems. Under worsen-

ing environmental coodit..ions the loading arms and gangways may therefore have to be disconnected

at lesser wind and current conditions lhan those u sed as a design basis for the mooring system.

1.7.2 Operating Guidelines/Mooring Limits

rn the past, operating guidelines have generaUy been developed empirically. With tbe advent of

computers and more aCClLTate wind and current coefficients, guidelines can be developed systematical-

ly which can provide the limits for various classes of ships with varying mooring capabilities. At

faci.lities which are located in climes where the operating environment is other than mild, it is desirable

to have this done.