Line Management Plan implementation and traceability
What is being checked
The inspector is checking whether every mooring line, tail and joining shackle can be identified, traced to its certificate and location, inspected at the required interval and managed within the company's service-life and retirement rules. Officers and ratings must understand the parts of the LMP relevant to their work.
Ready onboard
0/9 completePractice questions
Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.
1Select this line at random and trace its tag, certificate, location and inspection history.
Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.
2What retirement criteria apply to this line and tail?
Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.
3When was this line last end-for-ended or moved, and where was the change recorded?
Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.
4How should this tail or joining shackle be connected and oriented?
Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.
5Who is permitted to splice a line onboard, and what instructions must be followed?
Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.
6Show the investigation and follow-up for the last in-service line failure, if any.
Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.
Where an observation may arise
No LMP, or the plan does not cover the minimum MEG4 management categories.
A line, tail or shackle cannot be linked to its manufacturer certificate and location.
The LMP location, inspection history or movement records do not match the physical arrangement.
An in-use or spare item is damaged or beyond the stated retirement criteria.
A tail or joining shackle is fitted using an unsuitable method or incorrect orientation.
A splice does not follow the manufacturer's instructions or was completed by an unauthorised person.
An officer or rating cannot explain the LMP duties relevant to their role.
Master's practical note
The strongest check is a random trace from deck to record, not a review of the spreadsheet alone. Pick one working line, one tail and one spare. Their tags, certificates, dates, inspection history and locations should agree. If a line has moved between winches but the LMP has not moved with it, the system is already unreliable.
Equipment boundary and references
Equipment boundary: Identification methods, inspection criteria, permitted repairs and retirement limits depend on line material, construction and manufacturer guidance. Apply the approved LMP rather than a generic visual grading rule.
References
- OCIMF Mooring Equipment Guidelines, Fourth Edition, sections 5.4.2 and 5.4.3
- OCIMF Effective Mooring, Fourth Edition
- ISM Code section 10.1
- Manufacturer certificates and line-care instructions
Last reviewed: 2026-08-11
