Snap-Back Zone

Area on deck within which a parted mooring line can whip back; standing in this zone has killed many seafarers.

In practice

Marked on deck by deck cadets with paint or tape during port stay; OCIMF MEG4 recommends marking the actual snap-back path rather than a generic arc. Crew briefed before each mooring operation that no one stands inside the marked zone during line-handling.

Regulatory detail & full definition

OCIMF MEG4 (2018) replaced the old fixed snap-back zone markings (often inaccurate) with a 'snap-back hazard area' covering the entire mooring deck — every line is treated as a potential snap-back source. Crew working mooring lines must keep all body parts out of the bight and direct line of fall. Required marking under MLC 2006 Reg. 4.3 + ISM Code Element 6.

Authoritative source: OCIMF MEG4 ↗

Mooring
Hawser

Source: OCIMF Mooring Equipment Guidelines (MEG4) 2018

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Snap-Back Zone

In practice

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Snap-Back Zone

In practice

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