USCG: bollard failures at marine facilities
- Safety Flash
- Published on 20 July 2018
- Generated on 24 August 2025
- IMCA SF 15/18
- 1 minute read
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has published Safety Alert 06-18 entitled Don’t Let Your Vessel Get Underway Unexpectedly, regarding bollard failures at marine facilities.
The alert covers recent shore side marine bollard failures whereby moored vessels were cast adrift. In some cases, this resulted in damage to the involved vessel, as well as other nearby vessels and shore side structures. Thankfully, there were no related injuries or deaths.
What went wrong? What were the causes?
Amongst other issues highlighted were:
- Rotted pilings.
- Possible pre-existing fractures.
- Failure of base castings.
- Deterioration of base of bollards.
What actions were taken? What lessons were learned?
The USCG strongly recommended “that facility owners and operators take steps to develop a routine inspection program for bollards and other mooring equipment. Furthermore, vessel personnel should report discoveries of apparently deficient shore side mooring equipment to facility managers.”
The alert can be found on the USCG website.
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 22/15
15 December 2015
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IMCA SF 12/01
2 October 2001
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