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Improper use of heaving line

What happened?

During a mooring operation, vessel crew were found to be using a 4 ton shackle attached to a heaving line (instead of proper “monkey fist”). 

What went wrong?

  • The crew did not have an available heaving line with a “monkey fist”.

What actions were taken?

  • Risk assessment for mooring operations to be reviewed.
  • A check to be included to ensure that a sufficient number of heaving lines with “monkey fist” are available. In this case, at least 9 heaving lines were to be kept on the vessel (2 for use at each mooring station plus 1 spare).

Members may wish to refer to:

Safety Event

Published: 17 December 2019
Download: IMCA SF 30/19

Relevant life-saving rules:
IMCA Safety Flashes
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