The purpose of this Lessons Learned and Best Practice circular is to assist operators and crew in appreciating the benefits of regular Mooring Winch Brake Rendering Testing, and also share some of the common misunderstandings we have observed.
Although Mooring Winch Render Testing has been established practice in the tanker industry for many years, we are seeing more and more dry bulk terminals (particularly for Iron Ore and Coal exports) requesting that vessels calling at their terminals undertake periodic testing as per tanker practice.
It is interesting to note that based on investigation of incidents from Western Australian ports, that a frequent cause of mooring line failure is incorrect or non-existent mooring winch brake render testing. With every mooring line parting there is always potential to cause serious harm or death to personnel.
