Pilotage Manual - Belfast Harbour

Section: Appendix 3 Rev No. 02
Title: Berthing Risk Assessment Issue No. a
Table 3-4
Results from Berthing Risk Assessment
VT1
VT2
VT4
VT3
Berth Description Controls Rank
The RO/ROs swing when inward bound and then head straight out.
Berthing under control of VTS.
Vessels using this berth are generally operated with a PEC.
Radio communications as per VTS.
Berth for container operations. Varying vessels sizes from 80 to 90 m. in excess
of over 100 m.
Berthing can be highly restricted by gantries.
Regular monitoring of Dockers’ proficiency should be
carried out. The Dockers should be aware of the
weather conditions.
All communications references, berthing and mooring
operations as per VTS guidelines.
Berthing to be controlled by agreed Coastal
procedures and VTS manual.
Moderate
Oil Berth 4
Initial positioning and direction by terminal.
Tankers using this berth either swing off the berth or in the turning circle.
Passage plan to be confirmed by the VTS when passing the Fairway Buoy. One
of the main issues raised here was the wash from ferries, which can cause surge
on the quay. The berth was considered to be good but it was noted that there
was not a lot of water available behind the quay (low tide) so boatmen could be
caught by the wash from the tugs and pushed up the beach although thrusters
could also have this effect. In general there were no problems associated with
turning these vessels or boatman operations and there was the possibility to run
extra lines in extreme weather.
A speed restriction should be set in the Port. The
estimate at the workshop was for all vessels to be
restricted to safe speed when in Port limits unless
they had made special arrangements with the Port to
go beyond this. Obvious arrangements were Fast
Ferries, Navy RIBS. For any vessel permitted to
exceed the standard limit the effect of this needs to
be monitored to ensure the faster speeds do not pose
a problem to the other Port users.
Moderate
The mooring arrangements should be investigated to
ensure the people performing this task are
appropriately trained and aware of their duties and
responsibilities. They should also conform to the
boatman guidelines in place at the Port. Mooring for
tankers at OB4 should be appropriated with regard to
the prevailing conditions as the proximity of the
channel or the proximity of ferries operations.
Ensure that any surge experienced at the berth is
reported to VTS.
West Twin & The larger ships use this berth, e.g. Panamax, and are mostly tug assisted. They The piles and facings should be inspected. Moderate
Date: 08.01.09 Page: 3-4
Doc: MSMS-Pilotage Manual