Deck machinery and mooring readiness in sub-zero temperatures
What is being checked
The inspector is checking whether winches, windlasses, cranes, accommodation ladders, mooring lines, hydraulic systems and spill-response equipment remain safely operable despite cold-soaked oil, snow and ice accretion.
Ready onboard
0/7 completePractice questions
Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.
1Why is the hydraulic power pack running before arrival?
Explain the maker and company requirement for warming or continuous circulation, the monitored temperature and the safeguards against leakage or unattended operation.
2How was the anchor proved ready without creating an unsafe operation?
Describe the controlled pre-arrival check of brake, clutch, securing, power and local communications under the vessel procedure.
3How are frozen mooring lines handled?
Remove ice using an approved method, assess line flexibility and damage, keep personnel clear of recoil hazards and reject a line that cannot be safely deployed.
4What protects accommodation-ladder machinery?
Show motor and control protection, drainage or heating, ice removal and a safe operational test before use.
5How is deck compressed air winterised?
State the isolation and drain points, verify moisture removal and explain how any equipment still requiring air remains available.
6What evidence shows deck machinery remained operable throughout exposure?
Produce time-stamped rounds and operational checks, including temperatures, defects and corrective actions.
Where an observation may arise
The installed fluid or grease did not meet the expected cold-temperature operating range.
A hydraulic or crane system was not circulated or heated early enough to operate when required.
A brake, clutch, lever, limit switch, motor or control box was obstructed by ice or frozen moisture.
A wire or synthetic line was heavily iced, damaged or too rigid for safe handling.
The windlass, securing arrangement or anchor could not be made ready before entering port or an emergency situation.
A pneumatic spill-response pump or its air supply was frozen, undrained or otherwise unavailable.
No periodic cold-weather checks demonstrated continued machinery operability.
Master's practical note
Do not accept a no-load movement as proof of readiness if the oil is still below its working range or the brake, line and fairlead system has not been checked as one operating chain.
Equipment boundary and references
Equipment boundary: Cold-weather proving must follow maker limits and safe mooring or lifting controls. Do not operate a crane, windlass or anchor solely for inspection if movement could endanger personnel or the vessel.
References
- OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 2, Version 1.0, Question 12.5.1
- IMO Polar Code, Part I-A Chapters 4 and 6
- OCIMF The Use of Large Tankers in Seasonal First-Year Ice and Severe Sub-Zero Conditions
- OCIMF Mooring Equipment Guidelines, Fourth Edition
Last reviewed: 2026-09-12