Inappropriate use of pneumatic line thrower for mooring line

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 23 February 2021
  • Generated on 13 December 2024
  • IMCA SF 06/21
  • 2 minute read

While mooring a vessel, crew attempted several times to throw a mooring line using a Pneumatic Line Thrower (PLT), during which two of the “bullets” disappeared and a window was broken at a warehouse building approximately 100 metres from the vessel.

What happened?

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.

Pneumatic line thrower (PLT)

Disabled audible fire alarm

What went wrong?

  • 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.

What lessons were learned?

  • 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.

Actions

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