Credit to: MAGNIFIER / Shutterstock.com Many factors can contribute to an unsafe berth, but a common focus after any berthing incident is whether the fenders were safe and fit for their intended purpose at the material time. Fenders have a simple remit: they should prevent the immovable object (the berth) from succumbing to the irresistible force (of the ship) without damage to either. Action points and evidence collection in case of an incident After an incident the immediate and fundamental questions to ask include: What were the ship dynamics at the material time? Heading, course and speed over ground as well as draft, displacement, tide level and under keel clearance should all be logged and the data to substantiate this safely preserved. Were these parameters within the required operating limits for the berth? Were port entry and/or berthing guidelines easily accessible? Was the pilot advising the master conversant with these requirements? Did the master proactively seek this information or was it assumed that the pilot would highlight any deviations in time to take avoiding action? Did the selected fender(s) have sufficient absorption capacity? Whilst this task may fall to the visiting surveyor or suitable expert, the master can, to avoid vital evidence being potentially lost, assist by taking photographs and making sketches in the crucial post-incident period. Were the fenders and their supporting structure well maintained and in a good state of repair? A useful benchmark is the condition of adjacent fenders. The fenders at the extreme ends of a berth are used less often and will be the closest to a 'new' condition. Photographs showing variations in fender condition can be invaluable. Prompt action to preserve data and information is paramount. The VDR data must be saved – it can be used to demonstrate the speed and characteristics of the ship during the berthing manoeuvre. Well lit, in focus and high-resolution photos, with reference points and a scale shoul