Complete NTM 83/18

In September 2015, the MCA issued Safety Bulletin No.2 highlighting the problem of  dangerously weighted heaving lines being used by some Mariners to facilitate the transfer of larger, heavier mooring lines to shore mooring personnel. This practice significantly increased the risk of injury to pier hands and any other persons within the vicinity of mooring operations.

The MCA again highlighted the continuing problem with reference to the subject within MGN 592 (M+F) published on 24 August 2018.

In recent weeks several weighted heaving lines have been discovered to be in use by large vessels that call at CMAL ports and harbours.

With immediate effect Mariners are requested to refrain from using weighted heaving lines and are reminded the person in charge at the mooring stations should check that lines are not dangerously weighted. If any dangerously weighted lines are found, these should be removed and replaced with appropriate heaving lines. (Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers, section 26.3.5).

If any line handlers suspect that a heaving line thrown ashore is dangerously weighted, they are requested to remove and retain the weighted portion of the line, inform the vessel’s Master they have done so, raise a near miss report and notify CMAL Harbour Master.

On receipt of a report of weighted heaving line use, in accordance with the latest MCA guidance CMAL will report the incident to the nearest Marine Office.

Further details can be obtained using the contact details below:

David McHardie
Harbour Master

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited
Municipal Buildings, Fore St.,
Port Glasgow
PA1 4 5EQ
Tel: 01475 749 920
email: info@cmassets.co.uk

 


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