- 6
Saturday, August 18, 1973
SHIP CAPTAINS URGED TO USE RELIABLE BUOY SHACKLES
The Marine Department is advising masters of vessels to ensure
the reliability of connecting shackles when they berth at government typhoon
moorings within the harbour.
The advice follows an investigation into the five vessels which
broke adrift from their moorings during the passage of Typhoon Dot last month.
The investigation showed that several patent joining shackles parted
at a time when recorded wind speed was only 20 knots.
Masters of vessles are urged to refrain from using this type of
joining shackles to secure their ships to moorings when a tropical storm
may affect Hong Kong.
They are reminded of their responsibility to check that buoy
shackles, which are used to secure ships' anchor cables to the moorings,
are compatible with the quality and size of the cables.
A valid test certificate in respect of the compatibility of fitted
shackles should also be kept on board for inspection by Marine officers.
17
T