Product Overview

Summary: This Mooring and Docking Operations SOP sets out a clear, step-by-step process for bringing vessels alongside, securing them safely, and managing associated hazards in Australian waters. It helps maritime and port operators control high-risk activities at the wharf or jetty, protect workers from serious injury, and demonstrate compliance with WHS and maritime safety obligations.

Mooring and docking are some of the highest-risk tasks in marine and port operations, with workers routinely exposed to vessel movement, heavy loads under tension, and unpredictable environmental conditions. This Mooring and Docking Operations Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, WHS-aligned framework for planning, coordinating and executing these operations safely at Australian wharves, jetties, marinas and loading facilities. It covers each stage of the operation, from pre-arrival planning and communication protocols through to line handling, securing arrangements, monitoring of moored vessels and safe departure.

The SOP is designed to turn what can often be informal or experience-based practices into a consistent, auditable system of work. It addresses common causes of incidents such as snap-back of mooring lines, crush injuries between vessel and structure, slips and falls on wet surfaces, and poor coordination between ship, shore and towage. By implementing this procedure, businesses can reduce the likelihood of serious harm, protect high-value marine assets, and clearly demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS and maritime legislation. It also provides a strong foundation for training new crew, refreshing competencies and integrating contractor operations into a single, controlled approach.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of serious injuries and fatalities from line snap-back, crush zones and uncontrolled vessel movement.
• Ensure consistent, best-practice mooring and docking techniques across all shifts, crews and contractors.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS and maritime safety requirements during audits and incident investigations.
• Improve communication and coordination between ship, shore, towage and pilotage personnel during critical operations.
• Support effective training, competency assessment and induction for new and existing mooring and docking crew.

Who is this for?

• Marine Operations Managers
• Harbour Masters
• Wharf and Jetty Supervisors
• Mooring Crew Leaders
• Deckhands and Linespersons
• Port Facility Managers
• Marine Pilots
• WHS Managers (Maritime and Port Operations)
• Harbour Towage Operators
• Marina and Slipway Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Snap-back and recoil of mooring lines under tension
• Crush and pinch injuries between vessel and wharf, fenders or structures
• Falls from height into the water from wharves, jetties or vessel decks
• Slips, trips and falls on wet, uneven or cluttered surfaces
• Struck-by injuries from moving vessels, bollards, hooks or winch gear
• Musculoskeletal injuries from manual handling of heavy lines and equipment
• Exposure to adverse weather, swell, currents and poor visibility conditions
• Entanglement in winches, capstans and fairleads
• Drowning and cold-water immersion during overboard incidents
• Fatigue-related errors during night or extended operations

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Mooring and Docking)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Authorities
• 4.0 Competency, Training and Induction Requirements
• 5.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Port Rules
• 6.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Mooring Operations
• 7.0 Required PPE, Tools and Mooring Equipment
• 8.0 Pre-Arrival Planning and Communication Protocols
• 9.0 Site Preparation: Wharf, Jetty and Berth Readiness
• 10.0 Vessel Approach and Positioning Controls
• 11.0 Line Handling Procedures and Safe Zones
• 12.0 Use of Winches, Capstans, Bollards and Shore-Based Equipment
• 13.0 Securing the Vessel and Verification of Mooring Arrangements
• 14.0 Monitoring of Moored Vessels and Adjustments for Tide, Swell and Weather
• 15.0 Safe Departure and Line Release Procedures
• 16.0 Emergency Response: Man Overboard, Line Failure and Uncontrolled Movement
• 17.0 Environmental Considerations (Spills, Wash and Noise)
• 18.0 Communication, Hand Signals and Radio Protocols
• 19.0 Contractor Management and Third-Party Coordination
• 20.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Tag-Out of Mooring Equipment
• 21.0 Incident Reporting, Investigation and Corrective Actions
• 22.0 Document Control, Review and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as implemented in relevant Australian jurisdictions)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice
• National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) and Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law
• Marine Orders made under the Navigation Act 2012 (Cth), as applicable to mooring operations
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines
• AS 3846: The handling and transport of dangerous cargoes in port areas (where applicable)
• Port or terminal-specific Marine Safety Management System (MSMS) requirements