Precautions For Vessel Berthing And Unberthing Operations:

1. The captain should have an overall calculation and make corresponding preparations before the operation. In operation, one should remain calm and composed, without deliberately pursuing perfection in one go. However, one should be careful and bold, observe and discover problems with sensitivity, always place the ship in a favorable position to obtain maximum maneuvering space, and continuously verify and adjust according to the environment and internal and external factors at the time during implementation. Precautions for berthing and unberthing:
2. Familiarize oneself with the maneuvering performance of the vessel. (Direction change, variable speed performance, inertia, stopping performance, size of turning circle, minimum speed driving ability, quality of steering effect, size of main engine horsepower, working conditions, speed of main engine response to car clock, etc.). It is best to master the theoretical data and take time to test and verify according to different load conditions.
3. Familiarize yourself with the port conditions. Relevant information should be collected as much as possible. Regardless of whether or not to apply for pilotage, relevant books and materials should be consulted before arriving at the port, carefully studying and familiarizing oneself with the waterway, water depth, buoy conditions, understanding the port, and understanding its turning area, anchoring area, and obstacles to navigation. The captain should not only be familiar with the port himself, but also remind and assist the pilots to become familiar with it together. Familiarize yourself with the dock. Master the direction, structure, length, water depth of the dock, whether there are obstacles in the front and back, the size of berth barriers, and the width of the dock's river surface or the condition of the harbor. Consider the impact of shallow water on maneuvering, taking into account the angles of wind, flow, and dock. Understand and observe whether there are workboats or dredging impacts.
4. Estimate the impact of wind flow. The flow direction and velocity are basically regular and predictable, and the potential impact of the flow on the vessel should be fully predicted (unless it is a calm water port that is not affected by the flow). When using flow pressure to dock, attention should be paid to the reasonable use of flow pressure. Attention should be paid to the impact of flow on the entry and exit of ships, as well as their berthing and departure from the dock, especially when the ship is operating at low speeds. Ships should not be taken lightly when encountering cross currents, especially when large or high draft vessels are berthing or turning around at the dock. Reasonably utilizing the flow of berths away from the dock can save tugboats and benefit a lot; But improper use often leads to deep suffering. The impact of the current should be combined with the current situation, such as whether the dock structure is solid or hollow, whether it is in a natural bend or whether its position is easy to flush out, the depth of the waterway and dock, geographical conditions, natural conditions, and the size of the tide and drop at that time.
5. Estimating the impact of wind should also be taken into account when entering or leaving the port or berthing. The side of a container ship is greatly affected by wind, especially when empty containers are fully loaded and the draft is not very high. It is common for wind pressure to sometimes exceed flow pressure. Strong winds, especially strong crosswinds, are not something that tugboats can overcome, and the same applies to ships sailing at low speeds. Moreover, it is important to note that the wind may be unpredictable and may not be consistent within the harbor, outside the harbor, at the dock, and in the waterway. The impact of wind on ship deflection should be considered in conjunction with the loading conditions and wind area of the vessel. During berthing and unberthing, consideration should be given to the effects of varying wind currents and the combined pressure of wind currents on maneuverability. If you are unsure, you should think calmly and temporarily stay away. 6. Application of tugboats
The power and quantity of tugboats should be arranged based on the ship's displacement, water conditions, and current weather conditions. Reasonable selection of towing force points and positions should be made during use, and the quality of the towing cable should be considered. Coordination and contact should be made with the tugboat captain to inform the operation intention and seek the best cooperation to maximize its effectiveness. Early positioning of tugboats is important, and proper use is crucial.
7. Application of Anchors
An anchor is a symbol of strength and the captain's shield. It is not advisable to approach and leave the port without anchor preparation. The captain should have a clear understanding of the performance of the anchor, the speed of lifting the anchor, and the breaking force of the chain. It is necessary to gradually experience and accumulate experience regarding the water depth and draft at that time, the selection of anchor points, and the length of loose chains.
8. Use of navigation aids on board the ship
Radar, especially those with ARPA, is a powerful assistant to the captain. There are also depth sounders, log meters, electronic nautical charts, GPS, etc., which are very convenient and useful for estimating distance, understanding water depth, ship speed, flow velocity, checking objects, and identifying ship positions when entering and exiting ports.
9. The impact of blind spots
10. Estimation of the turning area
If turning around at the dock, generally with the assistance of two tugboats, there should be 1.5 times the captain's water area, and with the assistance of one tugboat, there should be 1.7 times the captain's water area. Whether it is Jingshui Port or Liushui Port, as long as the meteorological conditions are not particularly bad. It is feasible to operate in situ. If unsure, proceed to the designated turning area to complete the operation.
11. Practical essentials and precautions
The main purpose of a ship's berthing and departure from the dock is to handle the control of speed and direction, the alignment of speed and position, the angle of berthing, and the lateral (longitudinal) speed of berthing. The key is to accurately estimate the situation at that time, which is generally achieved with the help of tugboats or side thrusters available. However, some port berths are often affected in one way or another, and it is common for them to not vacate their berths in a timely manner or have less than 120% barriers; Or the shore crane may not be properly moved according to regulations, and the tugboat may not be in place for a long time. The captain needs to respond calmly.