Mooring Operations Safety Checklist

This mooring operations safety checklist ensures compliance with OCIMF Mooring Equipment Guidelines 4th Edition (MEG4), IMO MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.7 (Revised Guidelines for Safe Mooring Operations), SOLAS mooring deck safety requirements, and company mooring safety management procedures. Mooring incidents are one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities in maritime operations.

  • Industry: Maritime
  • Frequency: Per Event
  • Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Role: Chief Officer / Bosun
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: OCIMF Mooring Equipment Guidelines MEG4, IMO MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.7 Safe Mooring Operations, SOLAS Chapter II-1 Mooring Arrangements, ILO MLC 2006 Work Equipment Safety, Company Mooring Safety Procedures

Equipment Inspection

Mooring lines and equipment condition.

  • All mooring lines inspected for wear, broken strands, and damage?
  • Mooring winches operated and brakes tested?
  • Fairleads, bitts, and bollards in serviceable condition?
  • Heaving lines ready for deployment?
  • Rat guards fitted on mooring lines where required by port?

Crew Safety Briefing

Pre-mooring safety briefing.

  • Pre-mooring toolbox talk conducted with deck crew?
  • Snap-back zones identified and crew kept clear during operation?
  • All deck crew wearing hard hat, gloves, and safety footwear?
  • Communications confirmed between bridge and fore/aft mooring stations?
  • Roles assigned (line handlers, winch operators)?

Mooring Line Configuration

Line arrangement and loading.

  • Mooring arrangement per terminal/berth requirements?
  • Head and stern lines correctly led to shore bollards?
  • Spring lines correctly configured to limit vessel movement?
  • Load distributed evenly across mooring lines?
  • Fendering adequate to protect vessel and berth?

Weather Monitoring

Ongoing berth weather assessment.

  • Weather forecast obtained and wind/swell warnings noted?
  • Additional mooring lines deployed if strong winds expected?
  • Vessel surge and snatching monitored during port operations?
  • Mooring winch brakes set correctly to allow render/hold?
  • Gangway safely rigged with safety net and lifebuoy?

Post-Mooring Checks

After-mooring safety verification.

  • All mooring lines made fast and slack taken up?
  • Gangway watchman posted or access controlled?
  • Lifebuoy with light and line at gangway position?
  • Gangway adequately lit for nighttime operations?
  • Bridge informed of vessel safely secured?

Mooring Records

Mooring documentation.

  • Mooring completion times logged in deck log?
  • Terminal berth checklist signed with port agent/terminal?
  • Any damaged lines reported for replacement?
  • Any mooring incident or near-miss formally documented?
  • Mooring Notes

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Why Use This Mooring Operations Safety Checklist?

This mooring operations safety checklist helps maritime teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for chief officer / bosun professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Ensures compliance with OCIMF Mooring Equipment Guidelines MEG4, IMO MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.7 Safe Mooring Operations, SOLAS Chapter II-1 Mooring Arrangements, ILO MLC 2006 Work Equipment Safety, Company Mooring Safety Procedures. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Mooring Operations Safety Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Equipment Inspection, Crew Safety Briefing, Mooring Line Configuration, Weather Monitoring, Post-Mooring Checks, Mooring Records. It is designed for maritime operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Who should use this Mooring Operations Safety Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Chief Officer / Bosun professionals in the maritime industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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