Preventing Mooring and Anchoring Accidents

The Nautical Institute launched guides aimed at preventing mooring and anchoring accidents.Mooring accidents cause of great concern to those in the maritime industry, both ashore and afloat. Good practice is urgently needed to prevent deaths and injuries, particularly in trades such as dry bulk and containers. To address this need The Nautical Institute published two practical books following an industry initiative supported by the International Maritime Organization and the International Chamber of Shipping.

Mooring and Anchoring Ships is published in two volumes: Volume 1, Principles and Practice, by Ian Clarke MNI, looks at the theory behind good practice and explores how shore and sea staff can avoid personal injury and breakaway incidents. Volume 2, Inspection and Maintenance by Walter Vervloesem AMNI, looks at good practice with hundreds of colour photographs to illustrate the right way to carry out procedures.

At the seminar, held by the Institute with the UK Harbour Masters’ Association, Karl Lumbers of the UK P&I Club said his research showed large mooring accidents had cost the Club more than $34 million over the last 20 years. These claims were the seventh highest injury suffered by ships' crews by both number and value and the third highest in average value per claim. He described some of the injuries as “truly horrific” involving not only deck crew but catering staff, engine room staff and apprentices.

Preliminary findings of a survey presently being carried by the UK P&I Club has found that of 94 vessels inspected between February and June 2009, 43% of vessels use non deck crew during mooring operations. Provision of suitable onboard arrangements for running mooring lines is often neglected and the result is poor arrangements that resemble knitting patterns rather than sensible means of securing ships alongside.