BOMMI-PRD-07.0013-Rev.00 - Anchor Handling and Towing Operations
BOMMI-PRD-07.0013-Rev.00 - Anchor Handling and Towing Operations
Towing Operations
BOMMI-PRD-07.0013-rev.00
Table of Contents
1
Purpose ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Scope ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
[Description ............................................................................................................................................... 5
4.1
Stability .............................................................................................................................................. 5
4.2
Operations ......................................................................................................................................... 5
4.2.1
Equipment checks ...................................................................................................................... 5
4.2.2
Bollard pull .................................................................................................................................. 6
4.2.3
AHT winch emergency stop ........................................................................................................ 6
4.2.4
AHT quick release ...................................................................................................................... 6
4.2.5
Mechanical wire stopper ............................................................................................................. 6
4.2.6
Record keeping ........................................................................................................................... 6
4.2.7
Training ....................................................................................................................................... 7
4.2.8
Personal protective equipment and working practices ............................................................... 7
4.3
Maintenance ...................................................................................................................................... 7
4.3.1
Winch emergency release systems maintenance ...................................................................... 7
4.3.2
Wire stopper emergency release maintenance .......................................................................... 7
4.4
4.5
4.6
Records ................................................................................................................................................... 10
Related documents................................................................................................................................. 10
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1 Purpose
This procedure is intended to provide guidance for safe anchor handling and towing operations. It shall be
read in conjunction with Anchor Handling and Towing (AHT) Manuals, procedures, international procedures
and specific procedures provided by clients.
Anchor handling involves a number of special marine operations. The high tensions experienced in chains
and wires may cause high heeling moments, high transverse and/or astern movements of the anchor
handling vessel. The vessels motion through the water may also be affected by high hauling speed on the
anchor handling winch or as a result of any loss of bollard pull. The vessel may be pulled astern at speed by
the tension in a heavy anchor arrangement. Any simultaneous loss of thrust (for any reason) on the vessel
may lead to a rotation which could considerably affect extra transverse forces. Environmental conditions may
also influence the operations. For these reasons the vessels stability needs to be closely monitored.
Operations on deck involve other hazards such as slips, trips, falls, crush/pinch points, the handling of heavy
equipment and various other areas that all personnel shall be fully aware of.
Teamwork is essential to safely complete anchor handling and towing operations.
It is not possible to describe every situation (as all jobs are different) but general Procedures for stability and
anchor handling/towing operations are provided in this procedure.
2 Scope
This procedure is applicable to all Anchor Handling and Towing vessels within BOURBON.
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4 Description
4.1 Stability
This section shall be read in association with Vessel Stability Procedure.
Stability of the vessel shall be checked prior to starting any anchor handling and towing operations. In
addition to sailing condition, stability calculations shall consider worst case scenarios. Printouts of these
conditions are to be displayed and available throughout the operation and reviewed as soon as there is any
event which may change the vessels condition.
Any criteria in the approved Stability Booklet shall be adhered to.
Prior to sailing, a document shall be displayed on the bridge, visible and available to all deck officers on duty.
This document shall show the acceptable vertical and horizontal transverse force/tensions to which the
vessel can be exposed, including a sketch of the GZ curve and a table of the tension/forces that provides the
maximum acceptable heeling moment. Calculations shall show the maximum acceptable tension in
wire/chain (including transverse force) that can be accepted in order for the vessels maximum heeling to be
limited by one of the following angles:
Heeling angle equivalent to a GZ value equal to 50% of maximum GZ;
The angle of flooding of the work deck (the angle that results in water on deck when the deck is flat);
15 degrees.
The calculation shall then be made to show the maximum force from the wire/chain, acting down at the stern
roller and transversely to the outer pins, which would be acceptable without taking the vessel beyond the
angles stated above.
The document to be visible and available shall also show the maximum force in the wire/chain as well as the
point where the lateral force is assumed to be applied (towing pin/stern roller. The maximum vertical pull on
the wire/chain shall not be such as to exceed those limits given above or to exceed the SWL of the roller.
If deep water work is planned, weight on the stern roller can be hundreds of tons, which may be applied at a
distance off centre line according to the set-up of the towing pins. This shall add to listing moments and stern
trim. This condition usually results in a reduction of stability and the deck edge is immersed earlier as the
stern trim increases.
Before any ballasting operation is carried out the operator should be aware of the immense effect on stability
of having any tank slack, particularly transverse roll reduction tanks. Consideration shall be given to the
maximum listing/heeling angle which would be acceptable during the operation.
To preserve stability by reducing the risk of flooding, all watertight doors which open onto the main-deck and
give access to under-deck spaces shall be kept closed during AHT operations. All such doors shall be clearly
marked accordingly.
4.2 Operations
4.2.1 Equipment checks
Prior to starting any AHT operations, a navigation package is usually installed on the bridge. This displays
information such as the current and/or proposed anchor patterns as well as any pipelines, cables and other
subsea obstructions on the seabed. Positions are given in Northings and Eastings, so are not transferable
to radar or electronic charts using Latitude and Longitude.
Deck equipment shall be checked, a good supply of punches and hammers are needed, and some
breakages of these could be expected, especially with Kenter links. Buoy lassoes, for recovering buoys from
Revision 00 . Original date: 01.05.2012. Revision date: N/A.
Procedure prepared by: BOMMI QHSE Manager Approved by: BOMMI Managing Director
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4.2.4
To release undesired tension, winches are fitted with emergency release mechanisms. These are not
instantaneous releases but allow a fast payout of the wire from the winch drum. Where a quick release
system is fitted on any winch, vessel officers and other personnel as applicable shall be familiar with the
operation and effect.
Vessel specific procedure shall be developed onboard relating to the winch emergency release devices.
This procedure shall also address the winch emergency release operation during simulated black out and
function testing on a periodic basis.
4.2.5
The vessels crew shall be instructed in the procedures for emergency release methods and a notice posted
on the bridge giving information vital for the operation of emergency winch stops, releases and hydraulic
operation.
Vessel specific procedure shall be developed onboard relating to the wire stopper devices. This procedure
shall also address the emergency release operation during simulated black out.
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4.3 Maintenance
4.3.1 Winch emergency release systems maintenance
Maintenance and testing of all winch emergency stops and releases shall be as per vessels planned
maintenance system. All such maintenance and testing shall be documented.
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Organisation of deck crew (personnel distribution, equipment distribution, including radios, safety
equipment, organisation of tasks (what needs to be done, how it should be done, what is needed for
each task);
Diagrams for assembling and rigging bridles, tow lines, etc., showing possible emergency towing
arrangements for both fore and aft. Rigged lines shall be lead such that they avoid sharp corners,
edges and other points of stress concentration;
Power shortages and dead ship situations, which shall be taken into account, especially for the
heaving across of heavy towing lines.
A communications plan for contacting the salvage/towing ship. This plan shall list all information that the
vessels Master needs to communicate to the salvage/towing ship. This list shall include but not be limited to:
Damage or seaworthiness;
Status of ship steering;
Propulsion;
On deck power systems;
On-board towing equipment;
Existing emergency rapid disconnection system;
Forward and aft towing point locations;
Equipment, connection points, strong points and safe working loads (SWL);
Towing equipment dimensions and capacities;
Ship particulars.
Evaluation of existing equipment, tools and arrangements on board the ship for possible use in rigging a
towing bridle and securing a towline.
Identification of any minor tools or equipment providing significant improvements to the towability of the
vessel.
Inventory and location of equipment on board that can be used during an emergency towing situation; other
preparations (locking rudder and propeller shaft, ballast and trim).
Other relevant information (limiting sea states, towing speeds).
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5 Records
6 Related documents
Approved by
(job title)
Validated by
Revision
(N and date)
Changes
(chapter/reference)
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