Is this the new system for MN
Crew Member Dies During Mooring Operation — A Tragic Reminder of the Importance of Safe Practices and Proper Training
By: Seafarer Social
A crew member tragically lost his life during a mooring operation while attempting to heave in a tug’s towline using a messenger line and the ship’s warping drum. The incident occurred on the aft mooring deck of a cargo vessel during what should have been a standard towing arrangement. Instead, the combination of poor seamanship, improper equipment use, and lack of procedural adherence led to a fatal outcome.
The operation began with the tug passing its steel tow wire—44mm in diameter and weighing approximately 7.8 kg per meter—via a messenger line connected to the vessel’s own line. The crew attempted to heave in the tow wire using a warping drum, taking eight to ten turns of the messenger line, far more than the standard three to four turns typically recommended to gain traction safely. As the drum rotated, the turns accumulated on the outboard end due to a poor lead angle, and the line eventually formed riding turns.
As the operation continued, the tail end of the messenger line was pulled back into the drum area, where it formed a loose loop around the crew member’s neck. Within moments, the crew member collapsed and was later declared dead at the port due to a fracture dislocation of the cervical spine.
Key Findings from the Incident Report:
-The messenger line was led through the pedestal fairlead from the wrong direction, causing damage to hydraulic pipes and contributing to the unsafe angle of the operation.
-The crew failed to follow basic line-handling procedures. Up to ten turns were taken on the warping drum, and the tail end of the line was not properly backed up or controlled.
-No stopper was applied to hold the tow wire once the towing eye reached the bitts, creating further hazards during the transition.
-The aft mooring team demonstrated a lack of fundamental seamanship and failed to recognize the risks involved in their approach.
-The layout of the aft mooring deck offered no obvious safe method to retrieve a tow wire through the center lead, reflecting poor equipment and deck design.
-The tug’s mate had attempted to alert the crew to the risks and urged them to use the winch properly, but these warnings were not followed.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that mooring operations, though routine, carry significant risk when handled improperly. The design of mooring stations, the condition and configuration of equipment, and—most importantly—the competency of the personnel involved must all be aligned to ensure safety.
Proper training in line handling, familiarity with the equipment’s intended use, and adherence to safe mooring practices are not optional—they are essential. Shipowners, managers, and training providers must continue to emphasize safety not just through policies but through regular drills, mentorship, and a commitment to seamanship at all levels.
Seafarer Social shares this case not to assign blame, but to encourage learning, awareness, and proactive safety culture across the industry. Every loss is one too many. Let us not wait for another incident before taking action.
#SeafarerSocial #MaritimeSafety #CrewWelfare #MooringOperations #LineHandling #SafetyFirst #LearningFromIncidents
Can never recall hearing of this at all during my time at sea. One big question that was not raised? Was winch manned at the controls and if so why the feck did he not turn it of. Not to mention ten turns on the drum end. Would have had my backside kicked from the stern stations to the bow stations if I had tried that. This is the result of them cutting corners and employing people without a brain.
That's the way the mop flops.
My thanks to Brian for this site.
