ABSTRACT
When a vessel is anchored or secured to buoys there is very little that can be done in the event of an imminent collision except to veer away on the cable, or mooring wires, as rapidly as possible and use the rudder (if there is a current) to sheer the vessel away from the danger or to make the blow a glancing one. The question of slipping moorings or cable hardly arises, since the task requires valuable time, and further, engines must be available for instant use. Should it be possible, however, to slip the mooring wires from the bitts very rapidly or to release the windlass brake quickly, this may prove beneficial in that it will allow the vessel to move with the impact rather more than if she were still secure. Watertight doors should be closed immediately the danger is realised and Emergency Stations should be signalled. The rapid use of fenders is of paramount importance.
