Statistical evidence shows that in 53 per cent of all cases of personal injuries arising from mooring incidents, ropes (wire or fibre) have parted under load and personnel within 'snap-back zones' have been hit. In 42 per cent of cases, ropes/wires have not parted, but injuries have resulted from ropes jumping/slipping off drum-ends or bitts, or personnel being caught or 'dragged' by ropes, fixtures coming off mountings and from other causes.
Mooring operation. //Mooring and berthing a giant ship..// Berthing a ship.
Risk assessment of mooring stations
A risk assessment should be made of all mooring areas on board, looking at each area with a view of purposely searching for hazards that may cause injury.
Trip hazards and other obstructions
Mooring areas naturally contain many trip and obstruction hazards, and highlighting these is a good starting point.
An AB was seriously hurt when a roller fairlead detached from its pedestal while bearing the load of a mooring line under tension. He was standing in the snap-back zone and was struck by the oscillating rope, which hurled him into the foremast causing head injuries. The detached fairlead roller was projected six metres from the ship on to the quayside.
The angle or directional lead of a rope should be considered when using leads in order to prevent incidents like this. But this particular incident also highlights the importance of proper maintenance of mooring equipment. The maintenance schedule shall confirm the general soundness of all components and attachments, and must ensure that every grease nipple is tightly fixed, is undamaged, clear and the spring-loaded ball, if fitted, is functioning correctly. It is a good idea to highlight grease nipples with a highly visible colour in order to prevent them from being overlooked.