Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Fundamentals of Tanker Mooring and Unmooring

• Understand the importance of safe mooring operations in offshore terminals.
• Identify types of tanker mooring systems:
• Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) / Single Point Mooring (SPM).
• Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) mooring.
• Conventional Buoy Mooring (CBM).
• Learn industry standards and guidelines for mooring safety (OCIMF, MARPOL, SOLAS, ISGOTT, API RP 2SK).

2. Mooring Equipment and Hardware Selection

• Identify mooring lines, hawsers, chain stoppers, and winches used in offshore mooring.
• Understand hawser tensioning systems, quick release hooks, and mooring load monitoring systems.
• Perform inspection and maintenance of mooring lines, shackles, and buoy attachments.

3. Mooring Forces and Dynamic Loads

• Analyze forces acting on moored tankers (wave, wind, current, and vessel movement).
• Understand hawser tension, catenary effects, and surge forces.
• Use dynamic positioning (DP) and tug assistance for controlled mooring.

4. SBM and FPSO Mooring Procedures

• Conduct pre-arrival preparation and checklist review.
• Perform safe approach maneuvers for SBM/FPSO berthing.
• Execute mooring line connection and hawser tensioning techniques.
• Monitor mooring line integrity and vessel stability during cargo transfer.

5. Unmooring and Departure Procedures

• Implement safe unmooring practices to prevent snap-back and line failure.
• Coordinate with offshore control centers for release timing and weather conditions.
• Execute emergency departure protocols in case of adverse weather or equipment failure.

6. Cargo Transfer and Safety Precautions

• Ensure hose handling, connection, and disconnection procedures for cargo transfer.
• Prevent oil spills and environmental contamination during loading and unloading.
• Follow ISGOTT (International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers & Terminals) protocols for cargo handling.

7. Risk Management and Emergency Response in Mooring Operations

• Identify mooring hazards such as parting lines, surge forces, and equipment failure.
• Develop contingency plans for emergency breakaway scenarios.
• Coordinate emergency procedures for oil spill response and evacuation.

8. Regulatory Compliance and Best Practices

• Comply with IMO, OCIMF, SOLAS, ISGOTT, and port authority regulations.
• Implement mooring safety audits and incident investigation protocols.
• Ensure effective communication between vessel, terminal, and tug operators.

9. Case Studies and Practical Applications

• Analyze real-world mooring failures and best practices.
• Participate in hands-on mooring simulations and equipment handling exercises.
• Develop a customized mooring and unmooring operational plan.

Target Audience

• Tanker captains and crew members
• Mooring masters and offshore terminal operators
• Marine pilots and tugboat operators
• FPSO and SBM facility personnel
• Port safety officers and marine regulators