Inappropriate use of pneumatic line thrower for mooring line

What happened

During mooring operations crew on a vessel used a pneumatic line thrower (PLT) to throw a mooring line.  Several attempts were made, of which one was successful.  Two of the “bullets” disappeared and a window was broken at a warehouse building, approximately 100 meters from the vessel.

What went wrong?

• There was no toolbox talk before the mooring operation;
• There was a change of plan during the mooring operation: it  proved impossible to get a heaving line to the quayside and so a PLT was used, which was not a part of mooring equipment;
• The PLT was not used according to manufacturers instructions or recommendations;
• The use of the PLT was not covered in the existing risk assessment for mooring operations;
• There was inadequate communication with the mooring team onshore;
• No-one stopped the job; no-one thought through or assessed the potential risks of using the PLT.

What lessons were learnt?

• Pneumatic line throwers ought not be used during mooring operation alongside quay, due to  the increased risk to people and property;
• Develop a solution to get a heaving line ashore from vessels with a covered forecastle, without using a PLT;
• Ensure changed plans are managed using a Management of Change process; ensure appropriate risk assessment and toolbox talks are carried out before mooring operation;
• Reiterate duty to stop the job and intervene if unsafe work is taking place.

Members may wish to refer to:

• IMCA SEL 029 Mooring practice safety guidance for offshore vessels when alongside in ports and harbours  
• Video: HSSE 021 Risk assessment
• Video: HSSE 026 Toolbox talks
• Short “Are you prepared to work safely?” video on Toolbox talks
• Improper use of heaving line
• Non-fatal man overboard incident