For most visitors, a ship’s
For most visitors, a ship’s mooring decks appear to be little more than open spaces fitted with winches, ropes, and steel fittings. But for a seafarer—especially those handling mooring operations—these decks represent some of the most critical and hazardous working zones onboard. The positioning of equipment, layout of the decks, and sequence of line handling all depend on a clear understanding of where the mooring stations are and how they function.
A Guide to Mooring Operations Onboard Ships highlights how proper awareness of mooring decks directly contributes to safety and efficiency. Below is an overview of the primary mooring decks found on merchant vessels, each with its own operational purpose and challenges.
1. The Forward Mooring Deck
Located at the bow, the forward mooring deck is where a ship begins most berthing operations. It houses key mooring equipment such as mooring winches, storage drums, pedestal fairleads, and bollards, as well as the windlass and anchor-handling gear. Seafarers working here must manage multiple tasks simultaneously—deploying lines, controlling tension, operating the windlass, and monitoring the anchor.
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