Mariners should ensure that mooring lines are always maintained above the water line when being passed to line boats or the jetty.

  1. MARINERS ARE HEREBY ADVISED that, based on previous incidents and a risk evaluation of mooring operations, it is essential to ensure that mooring lines are always maintained above the waterline when being passed to line boats or the jetty. Where absolutely necessary, only a minimal length of line, strictly limited to what is operationally required for safe and effective handling, may be allowed to enter the water.
  2. To prevent fouling of propellers and mooring lines becoming caught under fenders at low tide, mooring lines must be handled in a controlled manner and not allowed to enter the water uncontrollably. In the event of any line handling issue, the line boats/tugboats may sound five short blasts to alert all involved in mooring operations.
  3. Where practicable, the designated officer or crew member in charge of mooring stations should focus solely on relaying communication between the ship and the line boat/jetty crew and should not undertake any other mooring tasks while lines are being passed.
  4. Strict adherence to this procedure is required to minimise risks, avoid operational delays, and ensure the safety of all personnel involved.