Mooring safety

Snap-back zones, line condition, communication, and the OCIMF MEG4 practice that keeps mooring stations from being one of the deadliest places on the ship.

Why it matters

Mooring-line failures kill or maim crew every year. MEG4 reframes snap-back as a probabilistic risk rather than a fixed zone — the whole mooring station is the hazard area.

Common hazards

• Snap-back from synthetic line parting.
• Crushing by a winch drum or surge in line.
• Slip / trip on wet deck.
• Poor communication between bridge, deck, and shore.

Practical checklist

• Pre-mooring toolbox talk identifying snap-back zones and emergency exits.
• PPE — coveralls, hard hat, gloves, mooring boots, hearing protection.
• Lines and tails inspected; rejected lines removed from service.
• Winch brakes tested to the latest documented holding load.
• Communication — radio channel + officer-in-charge identified.
• Crew positioned to the side of the line, never in line with it.

Mistakes to avoid

• Standing in the bight of a line.
• Working with frayed mooring tails.
• Allowing inexperienced crew on the station without a briefing.

Last verified 5 months ago