(MARS 201867) An observant OOW challenged the decision of a mooring master. In doing so, he prevented an accident.
A tanker was mooring to a single-point buoy mooring (SPM). A line had been secured forward and the current started moving the vessel ahead, approaching very close to the SPM. The aft tug was not yet made fast, so the vessel was using its own engine to remain in position.
Order Questioned
As the vessel was moving forward and was getting closer to the SPM, the mooring master ordered dead slow ahead. If the order had been followed, the vessel would have collided with the SPM.
The OOW, being aware of the situation, did not immediately follow the order and asked the mooring master about the appropriateness of his order. The mooring master apologised as his order was meant to be dead slow astern.
Lessons Learned
Unintentional errors of this kind, classified as “slips”, are common. The principal of Bridge Resource Management (BRM), where each member of the team is actively involved and has the same mental model of the operation, is a good defence against slips of this nature.
Keep your situational awareness about a process as keen as possible, even if you are not in charge. You may save the day.
Single-point Buoy Mooring
A single-point buoy mooring (SPM) is a loading buoy anchored offshore, that serves as a mooring point and interconnect for tankers loading or offloading gas or liquid products. SPMs are the link between geostatic subsea manifold connections and weathervaning tankers. They are capable of handling any tonnage ship, even very large crude carriers (VLCC) where no alternative facility is available.
MARS Reports
This is one of the October MARS Reports that are part of Report Number 312. A selection of this Report has also been published in SWZ|Maritime’s November issue.
Acknowledgement
Through the kind intermediary of The Nautical Institute we gratefully acknowledge sponsorship provided by:
American Bureau of Shipping, AR Brink & Associates, Britannia P&I Club, Cargill, Class NK, DNV, Gard, IHS Fairplay Safety at Sea International, International Institute of Marine Surveying, Lairdside Maritime Centre, London Offshore Consultants, MOL Tankship Management (Europe) Ltd, Noble Denton, North of England P&I Club, Sail Training International, Shipowners Club, The Marine Society and Sea Cadets, The Swedish Club, UK Hydrographic Office, West of England P&I Club
Submit a Mars Report
More reports are needed to keep the scheme interesting and informative. All reports are read only by the Mars coordinator and are treated in the strictest confidence. To submit a report, please use the Mars report form and send it to mars@nautinst.org.
Picture: A ship moored to a single-point buoy mooring.
