Mooring & access: what SIRE 2.0 inspectors ask and find
Mooring observations often come from lines, tails and winch brakes against the mooring system management plan, and from gangway and pilot ladder rigging.
Do this before the inspector arrives: Check mooring line certificates against the MSMP and the brake test record.
What the inspector wants to see
- Mooring system management plan up to date
- Line and tail certificates, MBL checked against the ship design MBL
- Winch brake test records
- Gangway and pilot ladder rigging, with permits where required
Questions inspectors ask about Mooring & access
Is mooring familiarisation only for first-time joiners?
No. Give it to all mooring crew, especially where equipment differs from the usual set-up (e.g. hydraulic brakes, mooring zone markings).
What is the maximum weight of a heaving line monkey fist?
Not more than 500 g (COSWP section 26.3.6).
Is there a procedure for using a double (criss-cross) rope stopper?
One is expected; its absence was flagged.
What record is needed before mooring winch brake testing?
A record that the hydraulic jack was calibrated before the test.
On which layer is the brake test done when the drum is not split?
On the outermost (top) layer.
At what load should the winch brake render, and what goes into the calculation?
60% of SDMBL. Inputs: jack pressure (P), piston area (A), lever from drum centre to jack point (L), drum diameter (Dd, not winch) and rope diameter (Dr).
There are 42 Mooring & access questions in NilObs, with spaced repetition so the ones you miss come back. Practise them free.
Real Mooring & access observations, and how to avoid them
A rubber step near the bottom of the port pilot ladder in use was deformed; the ladder was replaced during the inspection.
Avoid it: Inspect every step of the pilot ladder before rigging and replace ladders with damaged steps.
Interviewee said the deformed pilot ladder step had been missed during the safety inspection through oversight.
Avoid it: Inspect pilot ladders step by step, not just a glance at the rolled-up ladder.
A locking nut on the brake tightening screw was being used as a stopper to set the mooring winch brake torque.
Avoid it: Set winch brakes as per the brake test results and maker's guidance, and know how the setting is marked.
The accompanying deck officer was not fully familiar with how mooring winch brake rendering indications are set.
Avoid it: Know your winch brake rendering marks, how they were set after brake testing and how to use them.
Also recorded as a learning gap: the deck officer could not fully explain the setting of winch brake rendering marks.
Avoid it: Include winch brake setting and rendering marks in mooring familiarisation and toolbox talks.
Photo not representative: the mooring winch brake rendering marks and arrow indicators were found ineffective on board.
Avoid it: Keep winch brake marks clearly painted and make sure uploaded photos reflect current condition.
Interviewee did not understand the mooring winch brakes and could not say why brakes are tightened only to the rendering point setting.
Avoid it: Understand why brakes are set to render at a set load: the line should slip before it parts.
The stud in the first link of the port anchor chain had come loose and shifted against the next link.
Avoid it: Inspect anchor chain links and studs during anchor inspections and when heaving up.
Who answers for Mooring & access
Chief Officer, Deck Cadet, Bosun, Able Seaman, Ordinary Seaman, Marine Superintendent, Port Captain. NilObs picks the questions and the daily drill for your role.
Rehearse Mooring & access before your next inspection.
Start free
Start free
Other topics
ECDIS9 observationsRadar4 observationsUKC3 observationsPassage planning5 observationsGMDSS10 observationsAlarm & power-fail tests3 observationsEquipment tests vs PMS23 observationsDocuments & SMS51 observationsRest hours & drills17 observationsDefect reporting29 observationsWatchkeeping16 observationsSteering2 observationsLSA & FFA31 observationsEngine room50 observationsCargo69 observationsPIQ accuracy46 observationsPermits & RA11 observationsEmergency equipment43 observationsGas testing & enclosed space61 observationsPPE & personal safety21 observationsPollution prevention27 observationsSecurity & cyber11 observationsTraining & certificates25 observationsHull & condition31 observations