Golden Rules of Berthing
There are certain actions that a master should always take before and during berthing. The most important rules are:
1. Slow speed
2. Controlled approach
3. Planning
4. Team work
5. Checking equipment
— Bridge team
The master must ensure that all ships personnel are familiar with the expected approach to the berth / quay / lock or terminal and what is expected of them. A positive team approach to the task improves efficiency and communication
— Passage planning
Always brief the bridge team to ensure the officer of the watch (OOW), helmsman, lookout and pilot are fully aware of the expected manoeuvres and the likely effects of wind, tide and current
Always passage plan from berth to berth. Pay careful attention to the dangers that are likely to be encountered during periods under pilotage.
Always fully brief the pilot, making sure that he understands the ship’s speed and manoeuvring characteristics.
Always ask the pilot to discuss the passage and berthing plan. Ask questions if anything in unclear
Always check with the pilot that the ship will have under-keel clearance at all times.
Always have your anchors ready to let go and forecastle manned in advance of berthing.
— Equipment check
Ensure main engines and thrusters are fully operational before approaching the berth. Main engines should be tested before arriving at the pilot station ahead and astern. Remote controls checked.
Ensure steering gears fully operational. Both steering motors operating. Hand steering mode operational.
Ensure all bridge equipment checked including engine movement recorders, VDR, radars, course recorders, echo sounders and all remote read outs. Use a bridge equipment check list.
— Working with tugs
Consider the use of tug assistance, where wind, tide and current or the ship’s handling characteristics create difficult berthing conditions.
Always estimate windage and use this estimate to determine the number of tugs required.
When berthing with a bow thruster, a large ship may need a tug to control the ship’s stern.
When estimating the number of tugs consider their bollard pull and propulsion arrangements.
— Manoeuvring
Avoid high forward speed particularly when working with tugs, when using a bow thruster, when under-keel clearance is small, when sailing in a narrow channel or when close to other ships.
Test astern movement and wait until the ship moves positively astern before stopping.
Remember that a kick ahead can be used to initiate and maintain a turn when speed is low.
Remember that the point of influence of wind changes with wind direction and the ship’s heading.
Remember that at low speed, current and wind have a greater effect on manoeuveability and that high-sided ships will experience a pronounced effect from leeway.
Remember draught and trim affect the ship’s manoeuvring characteristics.
— Finally
Never ring “finished with engines” until every mooring line have been made fast.
Always anticipate well ahead and expect the unexpected to occur.
Always brief the officers in charge of the berthing crew fore and aft of what is expected and allow them sufficient time to prepare for berthing. The pilot should always be consulted on the expected “tie up” and the order of running the mooring lines.