What are the causes of cable breakage and how to handle it?

The geographical location and meteorological environment of the berth are the main reasons for ship cable breakage. Generally speaking, berths are located in areas where rivers, sea currents are turbulent, or at the intersection of rivers and seas. Ports affected by strong swells, as well as ports disturbed by strong winds, are prone to cable breakage accidents. The strong blowing winds during the typhoon season, floods, high tide surges, rapid rising and falling water, the water rushing down the pier, and the rapid flow before and after low tide can all lead to the breakage of ship cables.
On the ship side, the cable is worn out, aged, with insufficient strength, uneven force on the cable, problems with the position of the cable, incomplete mooring equipment, or faulty cable guiding devices. Negligence of duty personnel, inadequate safety inspections of the entire ship, and failure to adjust mooring ropes in a timely manner based on the fluctuations of tide and loading and unloading conditions can all lead to the occurrence of cable breakage.
How to prevent cable breakage?
Before entering the port, grasp the meteorological conditions, wind, surge characteristics, and nearby water surface traffic conditions in advance, and then arrange and implement targeted response measures. If the port is susceptible to strong winds, it is necessary to prepare for wind protection and add cables reasonably; If the port flows rapidly, or due to large tidal ranges or changes in ship draft during loading and unloading, it is easy to cause cable wear, various measures should be taken to prevent cable friction. In addition, the shipowner should prepare relevant emergency plans.
During the process of loading and unloading goods, it is necessary to avoid excessive tilting of the ship caused by unilateral loading and unloading, resulting in uneven force on the front and rear mooring lines. The duty personnel should strengthen inspection around the ship and adjust the tension of the mooring lines in a timely manner based on the fluctuation of tide and loading and unloading conditions to ensure balanced force on the mooring lines.
What about drifting out of the berth?
In case the ship drifts out of the berth in strong winds, do not panic, do not forcefully twist the rope to return the ship to its original position, try to use the brakes to maintain the original drifting state, and try to twist it in tightly after the gust of strong winds passes. At the same time, the entire ship broadcasts emergency preparedness, prepares the main engine and side thrusters, drops the anchor on the inner side as appropriate, and reports to the port authorities and applies for tugboat assistance.
What if the cable is broken?
Once there is a danger of cable breakage, do not panic. Immediately follow the emergency plan and take effective measures such as preparing vehicles, adding cables, and anchoring to control the ship's position. Report to VTS immediately, notify the dock and surrounding vessels to avoid secondary accidents, and immediately stop operations if loading and unloading goods. If necessary, apply for tugboat assistance in berthing.