Mooring incident: Mooring line slipped off and snapped back
- Safety Flash
- Published on 23 August 2019
- Generated on 1 February 2026
- IMCA SF 20/19
- 2 minute read
During mooring operations of a cargo barge, a mooring line slipped off the cargo barge bollards, causing it to whip back and hit the attending tug.
What happened?
The tug was damaged by the mooring rope and control of the barge was lost for a short period, causing a minor collision. Due to the tension in the mooring lines at the time, the lines whipped back toward the attending tug, striking the tug’s monkey island and resulting in damage to the antenna dome.
As a result of the loss of control, the cargo barge and our member’s vessel came into collision; however, there was no damage. There was no risk of injury to personnel during the incident.
What went wrong?
- Incorrect mooring technique and pulling angle.
- The mooring lines were tied incorrectly to a bollard on the barge. The mooring configuration was not appropriate and allowed the mooring lines to slip off.
- The cargo barge bollards were angled ‘backward’ as they were designed for towing operations.
- The ‘attending’ tug had too much slack paid out on the towing bridle, and therefore attempts to abandon berthing operations were compromised.
What actions were taken? What lessons were learned?
- When mooring alongside a vessel, a ‘figure of eight’ mooring pattern should be applied to prevent the mooring lines from slipping off the barge if there is opposing movement possible between the tug and barge.
- Consider fit for purpose bollard design with appropriate mooring technique when mooring a tug to cargo barge. Marine inspections should take into account bollard design effectiveness for proposed operations
- Further training and instruction for marine personnel involved, on mooring techniques and on line of fire positioning around mooring stations?
- Verify that contingency plans for marine operations are followed and regularly practised.
Members may wish to refer to:
- Mooring practice safety guidance for offshore vessels when alongside in ports and harbours (IMCA M214, IMCA HSS029)
- In the line of fire (IMCA HSS036, video)
- Mooring incidents (IMCA HSS038, video)
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 15/17
15 June 2017
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IMCA SF 11/15
10 August 2015
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IMCA SF 07/10
10 November 2010
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