Inappropriate use of pneumatic line thrower for mooring line

During mooring operations crew on a vessel used a pneumatic line thrower (PLT) to throw a mooring line. Several attempts were made, of which one was successful.

Two of the “bullets” disappeared and a window was broken at a warehouse building, approximately 100 metres from the vessel.

• There was no toolbox talk before the mooring operation.
  
  
• There was a change of plan during the mooring operation: it  proved impossible to get a heaving line to the quayside and so a PLT was used, which was not a part of mooring equipment.
  
  
• The PLT was not used according to manufacturers instructions or recommendations.
  
  
• The use of the PLT was not covered in the existing risk assessment for mooring operations.
  
  
• There was inadequate communication with the mooring team onshore.
  
  
• No-one stopped the job; no-one thought through or assessed the potential risks of using the PLT.

• Pneumatic line throwers ought not be used during mooring operation alongside quay, due to  the increased risk to people and property.
  
  
• Develop a solution to get a heaving line ashore from vessels with a covered forecastle, without using a PLT.
  
  
• Ensure changed plans are managed using a Management of Change process; ensure appropriate risk assessment and toolbox talks are carried out before mooring operation.
  
  
• Reiterate duty to stop the job and intervene if unsafe work is taking place.