CREW WATCH | 13 THE SAFE USE OF MOORING EQUIPMENT One of the key components emphasised in the guidelines is the safe use of mooring equipment. Crew members are encouraged to familiarise themselves with company procedures outlined in the safety management system (SMS) and actively participate in planning and risk assessment processes. If improvements can be made, we encourage them to be discussed and procedures updated as necessary. Mooring lines, mooring tails and associated attachments should be identified, to allow for inspection and maintenance. Always ensure the ability to correlate each of these components with shipboard maintenance records and the original manufacturer's certificate. Any defect discovered in lines or equipment during mooring operations or safety rounds should be immediately reported to a supervisor. MOORINGOPERATIONS Accidents during mooring operations pose significant risks to both maritime personnel and vessels, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. Despite advancements in technology and safety measures, the complex nature of mooring activities, combined with unpredictable environmental conditions, continues to present challenges in ensuring the safety of these operations. TO ADDRESS CONCERNS THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION (IMO) HAS AMENDED REGULATION II-1/3-8 OF THE SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA (SOLAS) CONVENTION, TAKING EFFECT FROM 1 JANUARY 2024. The amendment addresses mooring equipment and the design of ships constructed on or after 1 January 2024. However, it’s essential to note that these changes also have implications for existing ships, requiring awareness and understanding of responsibilities among crew members. The introduction of the ‘GUIDELINES FOR INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF MOORING EQUIPMENT INCLUDING LINES’ (MSC.1/ Circ.1620) formalises many of the good practices that are already contained in publications such as the ‘MOORING EQUIPMENT GUIDELINES, 4TH EDITION (MEG4)’. THE AMENDMENT AIMS TO IMPROVE MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS CONCERNING MOORING EQUIPMENT AND ADDRESS VARIOUS ASPECTS CRUCIAL FOR ENSURING SAFETY. SELECTION OF REPLACEMENT MOORING LINES When it is time to replace a mooring line, ensuring that the new line matches the specifications of the one being replaced is crucial. Various factors influence how a mooring line behaves in use and determine its longevity. The personnel ordering replacement mooring lines should understand the design specifications and criteria. If mooring lines are supplied with different characteristics from those originally planned for in the design, any deviations from the original plan could necessitate updates to the towing and mooring arrangements. In such cases, seeking guidance from your managing office is advisable. When ordering new mooring lines, always request a manufacturer's test certificate. It is worth noting that in certain trades, a MEG4 compliant certificate may be required. If you receive mooring lines from another ship within your company, ensure that you request all accompanying documentation. UPDATING OF SHIP DOCUMENTS AND RECORD-KEEPING This is a critical aspect of maritime operations. Your company's procedures will outline how long maintenance records for mooring equipment must be kept on board. It is essential to note that at a minimum, these records should cover the period between annual surveys. For mooring lines and tails, crucial information such as the date of manufacture, date of entry into use, and the number of use