Book launch addresses rise in mooring accidents
The two new volumes aim to provide a firm basis for training and inspection.
A large contributory factor to marine incidents has been the increase in the scale of ships (including the power of tugs), complicated by a lack of experience amongst the crew. Sometimes this has meant lines were used to check momentum when the forces were too high, or simply the misuse of equipment. The project’s overview also cites poor maintenance, old equipment not suitable to new ropes, and unsuitable designs of areas such as mooring decks.
One of the authors, Walter Vervloesem, said that the situation is ‘a dangerous mix, and an accident waiting to happen,’ adding that time pressures, lack of communication and leaner crews have also led to poor practice. He pointed out that of over 800 ships inspected by IMCS over the last four years, virtually none were free of mooring defects. He added that the fact that there was so much evidence of bad practice is an indication of a real and serious problem. He concludes that there is lack of basic safe mooring practice, experience and awareness in all ranks and with inspection related jobs. Mooring practices do not get the attention they deserve, especially considering the danger to life and limb.
The state of affairs has led to these two companion books: 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, looks at good and bad practice.The volume has more than 530 useful colour photographs which depict a variety of mooring pitfalls. MJ readers might be particularly interested in Chapter 7’s dedicated towing section.
‘Officers need to learn about the different types and techniques of anchoring and be given the opportunity to practice them under experienced supervision,’ concluded Captain Coates, adding that this is no small challenge in the modern industry, where lean manning is common practice.
Walter Vervloesem added, ‘These books should not just be kept in port libraries, we need them out there onboard the vessels’.
Details are available from the Nautical Institute at Web: www.nautinst.org
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