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MOORING
MAINTENANCE
MANUAL

NAVFAC MO-124
AUGUST 1987
SN 0525-LP-173-1115

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ABSTRACT

The Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (COMNAVFACENGCOM) has the overall responsibility for the budgeting, funding, procuring,
installing, operating, and maintaining of fleet moorings worldwide. To support him
in the control and management of these worldwide systems, this manual has been
prepared for use by subordinate units. It contains a compendium of procedures to
be followed in maintaining mooring material in suitable condition for use by
operational fleet surface vessels and submarines. It additionally contains numerous
illustrations and photographs of mooring material and inspection, maintenance,
and storage procedures.

FOREWORD

This manual contains background information and procedural guidelines

concerning the maintenance of Navy fleet moorings and spare fleet mooring
material. This includes mooring installation and recovery procedures, the
refurbishing and overhaul of mooring material ashore and afloat, inspection
criteria and guidelines, inventory storage criteria, and the utilization of cathodic
protection systems to effectively reduce the corrosion rate of mooring material.
The materials and procedures detailed herein have been prepared to assist the
user in establishing and sustaining an effective fleet mooring maintenance
program. Although it is not mandatory that field units follow the recommended
procedures, they have been developed from the best technical sources available to
the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFACENGCOM) and represent many
years of practical and successful field experience.
Recommendations for modification or improvement of this document should
be submitted through appropriate channels to the Naval Facilities Engineering
Command.

Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

Commander, Naval Facilities
Engineering Command

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ABSTRACT

FOREWORD

ii

LIST OF FIGURES

vii

LIST OF TABLES

ix

1.0

INTRODUCTION

1.1

GENERAL

1.1.1

SCOPE

1.1.2

PURPOSE

1.1.3

EXCLUSIONS

1.1.4

RELATED PUBLICATIONS

1.1.5

PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY

1.1.6

PLANNING, PROGRAMMING, AND BUDGETING

1.1.7

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

1.1.8

FLEET MOORING MAINTENANCE

1.2

DESCRIPTION

1.2.1

GENERAL

1.2.2

TYPES OF FLEET MOORINGS

1.2.3

UPGRADED MOORINGS

12

1.2.4

MOORING CLASSIFICATIONS

12

1.2.5

MAJOR FLEET MOORING ASSEMBLIES

14

1.2.6

TYPES OF BUOY SYSTEMS

14

1.2.7

MOORING COMPONENTS

15

2.0

MOORING INSTALLATION AND RECOVERY

16

2.1

PREPARATION

16

2.1.1

GENERAL

16

2.1.2

PLANNING AND PREPARATION

16

2.1.3

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

17

2.1.4

PRE-INSTALLATION LAYOUT

17

2.1.5

PRE-INSTALLATION POSITIONING

18

2.1.6

PRE-INSTALLATION INSPECTION

20

2.1.7

FIELD CHANGES OF DESIGN

20

2.1.8

AS-BUILT DRAWINGS

20

iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

Page
2.2

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

22

2.2.1

GENERAL

22

2.2.2

RISER-TYPE MOORING SYSTEM

22

2.3

RECOVERY INSTRUCTIONS

29

2.3.1

RISER-TYPE MOORING SYSTEM

29

3.0

INSPECTIONS

34

3.1

GENERAL

34

3.1.1

OVERALL REQUIREMENTS

34

3.1.2

INSPECTION CLASSIFICATIONS AND TYPES

34

3.1.3

PURPOSE

34

3.1.4

PERSONNEL

35

3.2

INSPECTION PROCEDURES

35

3.2.1

GENERAL

35

3.2.2

ANNUAL SURFACE INSPECTIONS

35

3.2.3

UNDERWATER INSPECTIONS

38

3.2.4

LIFT INSPECTIONS

38

3.2.5

MOORING DAMAGE/FAILURE INSPECTIONS

40

4.0

IN-SERVICE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

42

4.1

GENERAL

42

4.1.1

SCOPE

42

4.1.2

EQUIPMENT

42

4.2

PROCEDURES

42

4.2.1

BUOY REPLACEMENT (RISER-TYPE)

42

4.2.2

RISER REPLACEMENT

43

4.2.3

BUOY REPLACEMENT (NON-RISER-TYPE)

44

4.2.4

MINOR REPAIRS

44

4.2.5

BUOY COATINGS

46

5.0

ASHORE INSPECTION AND REFURBISHMENT OF BUOYS

47

5.1

GENERAL

47

5.1.1

SCOPE

47

5.1.2

PREPARATION FOR ASHORE INSPECTIONS

47

iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

Page
5.2

INSPECTION PROCEDURES

48

5.2.1

PRELIMINARY INSPECTION

48

5.2.2

DETAILED INSPECTION

50

5.3

BUOY REPAIRS AND MODIFICATIONS

51

5.3.1

GENERAL

51

5.3.2

PROCEDURES

51

5.4

PROTECTIVE COATINGS

55

5.4.1

PREPARATION FOR APPLICATION

55

5.4.2

FOAM FILLED ELASTOMER COVERED BUOYS

56

5.4.3

FIBERGLASS POLYESTER RESIN (FPR) COATING REPAIRS

56

5.4.4

PAINT COATINGS

58

5.4.5

QUALITY OF WORK
ASHORE INSPECTION AND REFURBISHMENT OF CHAIN

60

6.0

61

AND ACCESSORIES
6.1

GENERAL

61

6.1.1

SCOPE

61

6.2

INSPECTION AND REFURBISHMENT

61

6.2.1

PRELIMINARY INSPECTION

61

6.2.2

DETAILED INSPECTION

62

6.2.3

PROTECTIVE COATINGS

64

7.0

ASHORE INSPECTION AND REFURBISHMENT OF ANCHORS

65

7.1

GENERAL

65

7.1.1

SCOPE

65

7.2

INSPECTION AND REFURBISHMENT

65

7.2.1

GENERAL

65

7.2.2

PRELIMINARY INSPECTION

65

7.2.3

DETAILED INSPECTION

66

8.0

CATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEMS

68

8.1

GENERAL

68

8.1.1

SCOPE

68

8.1.2

APPLICATION

68

8.1.3

EFFECTIVENESS

68

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

Page
8.2

CATHODIC PROTECTION FOR BUOYS

69

8.2.1

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

69

8.2.2

ANODES

69

8.2.3

INSTALLATION OF ANODES

70

8.3

CATHODIC PROTECTION FOR MOORING CHAIN

71

8.3.1

ANODES

71

8.3.2

INSTALLATION

75

8.3.3

ANODE REPLACEMENT

78

9.0

STORAGE OF MOORING MATERIALS

79

9.1

GENERAL

79

9.1.1

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

79

9.1.2

STORAGE AREA REQUIREMENTS

79

9.2

STORAGE PROCEDURES

80

9.2.1

BUOYS

80

9.2.2

CHAIN AND CHAIN ACCESSORIES

80

9.2.3

ANCHORS

83

9.2.4

CATHODIC PROTECTION MATERIALS

83

9.2.5

MARKING AND IDENTIFICATION

85

9.2.6

PRE-ISSUE INSPECTION

88

APPENDIX A. REFERENCES

A-1

APPENDIX B. MOORING COMPONENTS

B-1

APPENDIX C. GLOSSARY

C-1

APPENDIX D. KENTER JOINING LINK ASSEMBLY

D-1

APPENDIX E. ANCHOR PULL TEST REQUIREMENTS

E-1

vi

LIST OF FIGURES
Number

Page

Title

1-1

Free Swinging Fleet Moorings

1-2

Bow/Stern Mooring

1-3

Spread Mooring

10

1-4

Mediterranean Mooring

11

1-5

Buoy Dolphin Mooring

11

1-6

Typical Large Riser-Type Mooring

13

2-1

Typical Layout of Mooring Equipment Aboard

18

a Crane Barge
2-2

Typical Center, Ring, and Range Marker

19

Buoy Configuration
2-3

Typical As-Built Documentation

21

2-4

Typical Riser-Type Mooring Material

23

Pre-installation Layout
2-5

Welding Anchor Flukes to a Required Angle

24

2-6

Lifting Bridle and Release Mechanism

26

2-7

Typical Riser-Type Mooring Installation

28

2-8

Lifting the Ground Ring to Deck Level

30

2-9

Ground Ring Stoppered Off on Deck

30

2-1o

One Leg Stoppered Off

31

2-11

Two Anchor Chain Subassemblies Overboarded

32

2-12

Using High Pressure Hose for Cleaning

33

3-1

An Example of Severely Worn Top Jewelry

36

3-2

Severe Buoy List

36

3-3

Pitting/Rusting on the Side of a Buoy

37

3-4

Sample Surface Inspection Form

39

4-1

Mooring Material Markings

46

5-1

Heavy Rusting of Top Deck and Jewelry

49

5-2

Severe Top Deck Corrosion

49

5-3

Recommended Installation of Fenders on Fleet

54

Mooring Buoys
6-1

Location of Caliper Measurements of Wear Areas

63

in Chain and Accessories

8-1

70

Buoy Anode

vii

LIST OF FIGURES (Continued)

Number

Page

Title

8-2

Buoy Anode Recessed Within a Sea Chest

72

8-3

Anode Protective Cage

72

8-4

Chain Stud Anode Assembly

73

8-5

Link Anode Design

75

8-6

Protecting Drilled Studs

76

8-7

Link Anode Installed in a Chain Section

77

8-8

Clump Anode and Chain as Viewed Underwater

77

9-1

Proper Storage of a Peg Top Buoy

81

9-2

Chain Stored in Tiers

82

9-3

Stacking Crates of Chain

83

9-4

Overseas Shipping Container for 3 1/2-and

4-inch Chain (14,000 lb. Capacity)

84

9-5

Shipping Tag

86

9-6

Chain Markings

87

9-7

Overseas Shipping Container for Chain

87

Accessories (3000 lb. Capacity)

B-1

Commonly Used Fleet Mooring Buoys

B-n

B-2

Typical Chain Links

B-12

B-3

Manufacturing Dilok Chain

B-12

B-4

Producing Flash Butt-Welded Chain

B-13

B-5

Chain Breaking Strengths

B-14

B-6

Chain Joining Link-Baldt Type

B-15

B-7

Chain Joining Link-Kenter Type

B-16

B-8

Anchor Joining Link-Baldt Type

B-17

B-9

Anchor Joining Link -Kenter Type

B-18

B-10

Joining Shackle

B-19

B-n

Buoy Shackle

B-20

B-12

Sinker Shackle

B-21

B-13

Common Stud Link Chain

B-22

B-14

Enlarged Link

B-23

B-15

End Link

B-24

B-16

Pear Link

B-25

B-17

Swivel

B-26

viii

LIST OF FIGURES (Continued)

Number

Page

Title

B-18

Typical Chain Swivel Shackle

B-27

B-19

Typical Riser Swivel Shackle

B-28

B-20

Ground Ring

B-29

B-21

Spider Plate

B-30

B-22

Chain Equalizer and Its Use

B-31

B-23

Typical Mooring Anchors

B-32

B-24

NCEL Propellant-Embedment Anchor

B-33

B-25

Penetration and Keying of a Propellant-

B-34

Embedment Anchor
B-35

B-26

PEA Being Prepared for Installation

D-1

A Kenter Joining Link

D-3

D-2

A Top Swage and Reamer

D-3

E-1

Mooring Leg Scope

E-2

E-2

Allowable Anchor Area

E-4

LIST OF TABLES
1-1

Classes of Navy Fleet Moorings

13

8-1

Chain Stud Anode Screw Assembly

74

ix

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL
1.1.1 SCOPE. This manual contains maintenance procedures applicable to Navy
fleet mooring components and systems. Coverage includes the types of mooring
hardware, mooring equipment installation, inspection, recovery, repair, overhaul,
and refurbishment.

Manual content is extended to include other related

information and data in support of the maintenance activities such as requirements

for reports and records; storage and disposition of components; inventory
management and control; and planning, programming, and budgeting the
program.

Procedures are also provided for reporting fleet mooring conditions,

relocations, and accidents.

Chapter 1.0 discusses fleet moorings in general,

describes various types of buoy systems and their applications, and briefly outlines
overall fleet mooring maintenance actions.

Subsequent chapters provide the

detailed procedures and instructions for the installation, recovery, and maintenance
of fleet mooring components.

Descriptions of fleet mooring components are

contained in Appendix B. A glossary of fleet mooring terms is provided in Appendix

C.
1.1.2 PURPOSE. This manual is intended to serve as a standard guide for the
maintenance of fleet moorings. It is a standard guide in that an allowable margin
of freedom or variation in the application of the maintenance procedures is
permitted if unusual environmental conditions, adverse physical factors, and/or
nonavailability of support equipment so dictate.
1.1.3 EXCLUSIONS. Fleet mooring design is not addressed in this manual. Refer to
NAVFACENGCOM design manuals DM-26.5, Fleet Moorings, and DM-26.6,
Mooring Design Physical and Empirical Data, for design guidance, as necessary. In
addition, the following types of moorings/buoys are not considered in this
document:

Fixed moorings including platforms, islands, dolphins, spud moorings,

and other similar types defined in DM-26.4, Fixed Moorings.

Fuel transfer buoys (known as single anchor leg moorings (SALMs) or

catenary anchor leg moorings (CALMS)).

Floating drydocks, etc., including Auxiliary Repair Drydocks Medium

(ARDM)

Navigational aids.

1.1.4 RELATED PUBLICATIONS. The following publications are associated with

mooring maintenance as presented in this manual:
DM-7.1

Soil Mechanics, Foundations and Earth Structures

DM-26.3

Coastal Sedimentation and Dredging

DM-26.4

Fixed Moorings

DM-26.5

Fleet Moorings

DM-26.6

Mooring Design Physical and Empirical Data

DM-35

Drydocking Facilities

Design requirements and other related data such as determining forces acting on
mooring components or computing anchor chain subassembly lengths are
contained in DM-26.5 and DM-26.6.
1.1.5 PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY. Responsibility for the Navy fleet mooring
maintenance program has been assigned to the Commander, Naval Facilities
Engineering Command (COMNAVFACENGCOM), and encompasses budgeting,
funding, procuring, installing, maintaining, and repairing fleet moorings. (In
general, this policy is not applicable to moorings which are a part of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)). To support, control, and manage this
worldwide system, CO MN AVFACENGCOM established the Fleet Mooring
Maintenance (FMM) program to ensure the following:

1.1.5.1

That existing fleet moorings are maintained in a suitable condition

for their intended use.

1.1.5.2

That maintenance is conducted in a timely manner and that this be

accomplished by:
- Planning and scheduling required actions.
- Centrally procuring required mooring material.
- Establishing an automated Fleet Mooring Inventory control
system.

1.1.5.3

Reductions in mooring maintenance costs should be realized and

this will be accomplished by replacing (over the next few years)
existing moorings with upgraded moorings consisting of:
- Polyurethane covered foam buoys,
- Grade 3 (FM 3) chain and accessories,
- High capacity anchors, and
- Chain stud anode cathodic protection systems.

Future maintenance actions for upgraded moorings will be based on the results of
mooring inspections and not on a specified periodic basis.
1.1.6 PLANNING, PROGRAMMING, AND BUDGETING. Shore activities responsible
for the maintenance of fleet moorings must advise COMNAVFACENGCOM, through
their cognizant Engineering Field Division (EFD), of mooring material requirements
for the repair or overhaul of fleet moorings and the O&MN funding required to
support maintenance labor and equipment costs. These requirements will be
consolidated by the EFDs, and a request will be submitted to COMNAVFACENGCOM
for the funds required to support the fleet mooring maintenance budget. In
addition, the following requirements apply:
1.1.6.1

Procurement. All new mooring material will be centrally procured by

COMNAVFACENGCOM and will be shipped initially to one of three major

stockpoints: PWC Subic Bay, PWC San Diego, or CBC Gulf port. In
response to a shore activitys request, required mooring material will be
shipped to the activity from one of the stockpoints for use in overhauls,
repairs, new installations, etc.
1.1.6.2

Inventory. Annually, COMNAVFACENGCOM will request shore activities

which have mooring material in storage ashore to provide an inventory
of the type, size, quantity, and condition of this material.

1.1.7 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

Reports of mooring failures and specific

mooring maintenance actions will be submitted to COMNAVFACENGCOM. Basic

reporting requirements will include the following:
1.1.7.1

Mooring Failure Report. In the event of a mooring failure, a letter report

will be sent to NAVFACENGCOM within 30 days that will include the
following information:

1.1.7.2

Type and class of mooring.

Vessel (if any) using the mooring at time of failure.

Wind, wave, and current conditions at time of failure.

Type/description of failed component (if known).

Extent of any damage caused as a result of the failure.

Corrective action taken to counter the assumed cause of failure.

Followup Failure Report. A second summary letter report will be sent to

NAVFACENGCOM (within 90 days of the original failure) that will include
the following information:

Mooring design and as-built drawings.

Observed defects in the component that failed.

Cause of failure as determined by investigation.

Serial number of chain or component if new when installed.

Extent of repairs required.

1.1.7.3

Actual or estimated cost of work involved.

Recommendations for mooring design improvements.

Requirement for and priority of a replacement mooring.

Other Reports. Shore activities will report to NAVFACENGCOM within 45

days any installation, removal, relocation, or overhaul of a fleet mooring.

1.1.8 FLEET MOORING MAINTENANCE. Fleet mooring maintenance includes all

actions taken to ensure that moorings are safe, reliable, and in satisfactory
condition. Maintenance may range from a simple annual surface inspection of a
buoy to a complex operation involving recovery, refurbishment, and reinstallation
of an entire mooring.
1.1.8.1

Maintenance Functions. Mooring maintenance actions will include the

following:

Minor above-water repairs of buoys and topside mooring

components.

Removal of buoys for painting or repairs ashore.

Replacement of the riser chain because of wear or corrosion.

Replacement of depleted zinc anodes.

Inspection and preservation of ashore inventory.

Underwater inspections of installed moorings.

Repair or relaying of a mooring damaged by a collision or a severe

storm.

1.1.8.2

Inspections. Inspections are perhaps the most important, but often the
most neglected, of all maintenance performed. One of the primary
purposes of inspections is to detect any deficient conditions which
require immediate remedial attention. Often overlooked is that
inspection results should be used to plan future maintenance of both
installed moorings and inventory ashore. If maintenance is performed

on a routine basis, costs may be higher than need be because action is

taken sooner than required.

On the other hand, if maintenance is

performed without regard for inspection results, the importance of a

particular inspection may be diminished in the inspectors view. If this
happens, even critical repair requirements may be overlooked.
1.1.8.3

Inspections and Maintenance Planning. The importance of inspection

results as a maintenance planning tool will increase as more long-life
upgraded moorings are introduced into the system (see Paragraph 1.2.3).
These moorings are designed to remain in service for extended periods of
time, thus making possible a reduction in expenditures for both
maintenance and new material.

If the improved components are

regularly replaced on a schedule, based on the maintenance needs of

older components, then overall mooring maintenance costs will surely
decline.

A well planned and aggressively managed maintenance

program, supported by a comprehensive inspection plan, is the most

effective way to keep costs down while continuing to provide reliable
service to the fleet.

1.2 DESCRIPTION
1.2.1 GENERAL. Fleet moorings are pre-existing facilities used to provide temporary
berthing for fleet units in ports and harbors where pier space is limited or
unavailable. The most common types of fleet moorings consist of one or more buoy
systems made up of surface buoys, riser and anchor chain subassemblies, fittings,
and anchors. A vessel will moor with its lines or anchor chain connected to shackles,
ground rings, or other mooring components on top of the buoy.
1.2.2 TYPES OF FLEET MOORINGS. Several basic types of fleet moorings are
discussed below.

Most of these are riser or non-riser buoy systems (refer to

Paragraph 1.2.6); some do not require a buoy. Special fleet moorings and floating
drydock moorings are also discussed briefly, but are not addressed in the later
chapters of this manual.
1.2.2.1

Free Swinging. This mooring consists of a single buoy to which a ship is

attached by means of bow lines or anchor chain. The ship is free to swing
360 degrees around the buoy as it responds to environmental loading
conditions (weather vane). This type of mooring may use either a riser or
non-riser buoy system (see Figure l-l).

1.2.2.2

Bow and Stern Mooring. This mooring is designed mainly for use by a
single ship secured by its bow and stern lines to two buoy systems (see
Figure 1-2). This mooring is normally installed near a shoreline, parallel
to the direction of the water current, and outside the normal
navigational channel.

Riser buoy systems (see Paragraph 1.2.6.1) are

normally used in this type of mooring.

Figure 1-1, Free Swinging Fleet Moorings

8

Figure 1-2. Bow/Stern Mooring

1.2.2.3

Spread Mooring. This mooring is designed for use by a single vessel or a

cluster of ships. Except for single vessel use, ships are held together by
interconnecting lines and separated by camels or fenders. Chain legs
attached to the sides of the ship(s) maintain the vessel(s) in proper
position. Figure I-3 provides a schematic drawing of this mooring, which
is primarily used by the Navy to moor Medium Auxiliary Repair Drydock
(ARDM) and Large Auxiliary Floating Drydock (AFDB) classes of vessels.

1.2.2.4

Mediterranean Mooring. This mooring is used primarily by Fleet Tenders.

In this mooring configuration, the ship is moored perpendicularly to a
wharf or pier with stern lines to ashore bollards. The bow is secured by
two or more bow lines that may be attached to riser buoy systems (see
Paragraph 1.2.6.1). Each bow line or riser subassembly may in turn be
connected to two anchor chain subassemblies leading to anchors or stake

Figure 1-3. Spread Mooring

piles. Figure 1-4 depicts a typical Mediterranean mooring. Tenders are

moored in this fashion to allow simultaneous nesting of submarines or
destroyers along both the port and starboard sides.
1.2.2.5

Buoy Dolphins. Dolphins simulate a longer pier to accommodate larger

ships breasted alongside a pier or alongside one or more finger piers by
acting as bow and stern moorings. Dolphins may consist of a group of
pilings driven close together into the bottom or may employ a buoy
system. When buoy systems are used as dolphins they are called buoy
dolphins (see Figure 1-5).

1.2.2.6

Special Mooring. A specialized mooring is structured in a nonstandard

configuration and is designed either to satisfy a unique mooring
application or to meet a specific operational requirement. Examples of
special moorings are:

10

Figure 1-5. Buoy Dolphin Mooring

11

Those temporarily installed in an Amphibious Objective Area (AOA)

for utilization by amphibious support ships.

Typhoon, hurricane, storm moorings.

Those installed in exposed areas that are subject to considerable

current, tide, wind, and wave actions.

Those installed in geographical areas where abnormal bottom

conditions require propellant embedment anchors (PEAs).

Those designed to provide restricted watch circles.

Those designed for use by submarines and containing a riser

fendering system which precludes damage to the submarines sonar
dome when moored to the buoy.

1.2.3 UPGRADED MOORINGS. All existing fleet moorings will be replaced with
upgraded mooring material. It is intended that these moorings will remain installed
for extended periods of time without overhaul vice the current 3- to 5-year time
period between overhauls. The upgraded moorings will include urethane coated
foam buoys, improved FM 3 chain and associated components, cathodic protection,
and a more efficient anchor assembly.
1.2.4 MOORING CLASSIFICATIONS. NAVFAC DM 26.6, Mooring Design Physical
and Empirical Data, identifies the different classes of fleet moorings. A fleet
mooring is classified according to its holding capacity. Table 1-1 lists the classes of
Navy fleet moorings and the required size of the riser and anchor chain
subassemblies. These standard classes have been designed to support the various
types and sizes of operational fleet vessels. The larger classes (AA through CC) are
configured with paired anchor legs attached to spider plates, and can have six to
eight anchor chain subassemblies (see Figure 1-6).

12

Table 1-1. Classes of Navy Fleet Moorings

Class

Holding
Capacity (Ibs)

Type of Anchor
Chain Subassemblies

Chain Size (in)

Riser
Anchor

AA

300,000

Twin

2-3/4

BB

250,000

Twin

3-1/2

2-1/2

cc

200,000

Single

3-1/2

2-1/4

DD

175,000

Single

150,000

Single

2-3/4

2-314

125,000

Single

2-1/2

2-1/2

100,000

Single

2-1/4

2-1/4

75,000

Single

50,000

Single

1 -3/4

Figure 1-6. Typical Large Riser-Type Mooring

13

2
1 -3/4

1.2.5 MAJOR FLEET MOORING ASSEMBLIES. A typical fleet mooring is made up of

one or more buoy systems.

Each buoy system in turn consists of a specific

combination of the four basic assemblies listed below.

1.2.5.1

Buoy assembly, which includes the following:

Hull subassembly.
Fender subassembly.
Chafing strip subassembly.

1.2.5.2

Chain assembly, which includes the following:

Riser subassembly.
Anchor chain subassembly.

1.2.5.3

Anchor assembly.

1.2.5.4

Cathodic protection assembly.

Moorings which do not require a buoy will, of course, consist only of the chain,
anchor, and cathodic protection assemblies.
1.2.6 TYPES OF BUOY SYSTEMS. Although there are many specific buoy system
designs, there are only two basic types of buoy systems: riser and non-riser. Each of
these types is defined by the configuration of the anchor, chain, and buoy
assemblies which make up the buoy system.
1.2.6.1

Riser Buoy System. This system consists of a hawsepipe or tension bar

type buoy, a riser chain subassembly (which includes a ground ring),
anchor chain subassemblies, and anchors. The single riser connects the
buoy to the ground ring located about 10 feet above the bottom. Two,
three, or four anchor chains run from the ground ring to the anchors (see
Figure l-l).

14

1.2.6.2

Non-Riser BUOY System. Previously called a telephone-type buoy system,

the non-riser system consists of a relatively large buoy held in place by
three to eight anchor chain subassemblies and anchors. Each of the
anchor chains is attached to a padeye on the lower side of the buoy hull.
A ship using this buoy connects its chain or bow lines to a swivel in the
center of the buoys deck. The non-riser system has a relatively small
watch circle compared to the riser-type buoy system (see Figure l-l).

1.2.7 MOORING COMPONENTS. Appendix B contains descriptions and drawings of

the components normally used in fleet moorings. The components are grouped
into categories related to the four basic assemblies which make up a fleet mooring:
buoys, chain and accessories, anchors, and cathodic protection. The terminology
used in Appendix B is preferred for use in all fleet mooring documentation,
correspondence, reports, drawings, etc. Other common names are included which
reflect usage by the offshore industry.

However, the standard terminology

appearing in Appendix B should be used so that a common understanding of terms

will exist among those responsible for designing, maintaining, and managing fleet
moorings.

This becomes especially important with respect to as-built

documentation, inventory reports, and requests for material.

15

2.0 MOORING INSTALLATION AND RECOVERY

2.1 PREPARATION
2.1.1 GENERAL. This chapter describes methods for installing and recovering
moorings in sheltered waters and provides the general procedures for
accomplishing these tasks.

Installation and recovery of both riser and non-riser

buoy systems are covered.

Procedures set forth may be modified to suit local

environmental conditions and/or material constraints, or to accommodate a special

mooring design. The procedures developed herein assume that the tasks will be
accomplished using a floating crane or crane barge for installation and recovery.
2.1.2 PLANNING AND PREPARATION. Development of a plan is a necessary
requirement prior to commencing operations. The plan should include the
equipment needed and the procedures necessary for accomplishment of the task.
Design drawings, as well as materials required, should also be included. Recovery
plans should take into account the as-built drawings. The plan should be prepared
well enough in advance to allow riggers, crane and barge operators, design
engineers, and others to review and comment on the details.

Prior to

commencement of offshore operations, all persons involved should understand the

general sequence of events that will occur and their specific responsibilities in the
effort. The plan should also take into consideration the following:
2.1.2.1

Preparation. Thorough preparation is one of the principal keys to a

successful mooring installation or recovery operation. Proper ashore
preparations will ensure that offshore operations will be expeditiously
and efficiently carried out. As examples:

A floating crane will be provided for the installation or recovery of

mooring components.

The size and placement of required

temporary padeyes must be determined and action taken to install

these padeyes on the deck of the barge.

16

Physical fit checks of all mooring materials should be accomplished

to ensure proper assembly of the mooring in accordance with
design specifications.

If being installed, chain stud anodes should be attached to the chain

prior to moving the material offshore. After anode installation,
caution must be taken in handling the chain to preclude damage to
or Ioss of the anodes.

2.1,2.2

Environmental Factors.

Since offshore operations can be strongly

influenced by environmental conditions, plans should be made flexible

enough to allow for unexpected delays due to inclement weather or
rough seas.
2.1.3 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED. The floating crane or other suitable
platform will be stocked with all tools needed not only for the planned operation,
but also for any field modifications or in place repairs that may be required. Tools,
equipment, and materials for the effort should include the following items:

Welding and cutting equipment.

High-pressure seawater pump (100 psi) or a water blaster.

Spare parts (e.g., locking pins, punches, retaining pellets, etc.). A good
source is BUSHIPS No. 52603-840327.

Lubricants, preservative greases, coatings, etc.

2.1.4 PRE-INSTALLATION LAYOUT. Mooring components will be laid out on the

crane barge, prior to offshore operations, in an arrangement governed by
procedures established for installation of the mooring. Chains shall be placed so
that they will readily pay out during a controlled installation. Figure 2-1 illustrates a
typical mooring material/component layout on a crane barge. The mooring should
be assembled on the barge to the maximum extent possible prior to departing for
installation operations to minimize assembly activity offshore.

17

2.1.5 PRE-INSTALLATION POSITIONING. A mooring is designed for installation at a

specific site. The characteristics of the site (e.g., water depth, bottom conditions)
will determine the mooring design features such as length of riser and anchor chain
subassemblies and fluke angle of the anchor. It is important, therefore, that the
mooring be placed in the location for which it was designed, since a misplaced
mooring would require the expense and effort of reinstalling the entire system.
Equipment used for positioning the mooring is described below.

Figure 2-1. Typical Layout of Mooring Equipment Aboard a Crane Barge

2.1.5.1

Marker Buoys. To ensure that the mooring is installed in the right

location and that the anchor chain assemblies are properly orientated,
marker buoys should be placed at the desired points at the site before
installation begins. A center marker buoy will be used to indicate the
position of the buoy; ring markers will be used to indicate anchor
locations;

and range markers will be used to assist in anchor chain

subassembly orientation (see Figure 2-2). Correct placement of anchors

will ensure that the anchor legs are straight and taut. Range buoys may

18

be used in conjunction with the ring markers to aid crane barge

movement along proper lines of bearing as it lays the anchor chain
subassemblies.

Figure 2-2. Typical Center, Ring, and Range Marker Buoy Configuration

2.1.5.2

Other Positioning Equipment. Correct positioning of marker buoys is

determined by the use of transits, theodolites, electronic distance
measuring (EDM) devices, and other similar equipment. Marker buoy
locations should be referenced to established benchmarks or fixed
landmarks such as beacons, towers, smokestacks, or corners of buildings.
If the mooring is to be installed close to a pier, a dolphin, or a fixed
structure, the correct position of the markers can be determined by direct
measurement using a measured line or similar aid. Marker buoys may be
placed from a small boat or any other suitable vessel. Marker buoys
should be checked before and during mooring installation to verify that
they have remained in their correct positions.

19

2.1.6 PRE-INSTALLATION INSPECTION. A final inspection shall be made of all

mooring material before any item leaves the storage area or prior to the material
being laid out on the crane barge deck. This will include a check of all chain
connections, joining links, and other fittings for proper and secure assembly.
2.1.7 FIELD CHANGES OF DESIGN. Moorings are usually designed for a specific
application at a specific site. The chain size, anchor weight, anchor fluke angle,
length of anchor chain subassemblies, length of riser chain, buoy size, and other
factors have been determined based on the holding power requirements and
planned location of the mooring.

Field changes to design specifications and

planned installation procedures should not be made without approval of the

cognizant design engineer because incorrect actions could adversely affect the
performance and reliability of the mooring.
The choice of the type, size, and configuration of anchors is a design
consideration for a particular mooring or a particular mooring location. Recent
work in mooring design by the Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory, Port Hueneme,
California, has resulted in a much better understanding of anchor holding capacity.
This information is incorporated in DM-26.6 and is not presented here. The
important consideration is that anchor selection is a complex design problem and
that small changes to items such as fluke angle, stabilizer length, and orientation
when placed on the bottom, can drastically affect the holding capacity of the
mooring.
2.1.8 AS-BUILT DRAWINGS. Accurate as-built records (such as shown in Figure 2-3)
must be maintained on all installed moorings. As-built drawings should be
prepared immediately following the installation, and copies shall be submitted to
NAVFACENGCOM (Code 1002).

20

2.2 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

2.2.1 GENERAL. General installation procedures for the typical three-legged riser
mooring system are presented below. The procedures are preceded by a description
of the main parts of the mooring system which should be assembled before offshore
operations begin.
2.2.2 RISER-TYPE MOORING SYSTEM. Installation of this mooring system shall
generally follow the procedure set forth below.
2.2.2.1

Preinstallation Assembly. A three-legged riser-type mooring system is

normally assembled in three parts:

Part I. This part is the first anchor chain subassembly with a sinker
and anchor.

Part Il. This part includes the buoy, the riser chain subassembly from
the buoy to the ground ring, and the second anchor chain
subassembly with a sinker and anchor (see Figure 2-4).

Part III. This part is the third anchor chain subassembly with a sinker
and anchor.

2.2.2.2

Installation Procedures. The marker buoys will be placed in their desired

locations. The center marker buoy will be placed in the desired position
of the mooring buoy. The ring marker buoys will be installed 25 feet past
the point that the anchors will be lowered to the bottom and released.
Predicted drag distance of the anchor is needed to determine this point.
Appendix E provides tables of predicted drag distances. The desired final
location of the anchors should be indicated on the design drawing.
provided by the mooring designer. After pulling the anchor to set it and
test its capacity, (see 2.2.2.3) the final position of the anchor must be
within a 40 foot by 20 foot box with the desired location at the center of
the box (see Appendix E, Figure E-2). The range marker buoys should be

22

installed about 50 feet beyond the ring marker buoys on the extens
of the Iines from the center marker buoy to the ring marker buoys.

Figure 2-4. Typical Riser-Type Mooring Material Pre-lnstallation Layout

NOTE
Refer to Paragraph 2.2.2.1 for references to
"Part l," " Part II," and "Part III" in the procedures
that follow.

Before beginning installation of the system, the free end of the first
anchor chain subassembly of Part I should be attached to a pickup buoy
for easy recovery during the placement operation.

23

These general installation procedures should then be followed:

Position the crane barge near one of the ring marker buoys (the one
within 25 feet of the desired position for the anchor of the first
anchor chain subassembly of Part l). During some installations, it
may be necessary to weld the anchor flukes (see Figure 2-5) to a
predetermined angle.

NOTE
Wind and current conditions will usually
dictate which subassembly is laid first.

Figure 2-5. Welding Anchor Flukestoa Required Angle

24

The first anchor is slung by a bridle in a horizontal position and has

attached to it a crown marker buoy and one anchor leg
subassembly. The anchor is fitted with a pelican hook or a toggle
bar quick release system as shown in Figure 2-6. The crane lowers
the anchor and chain simultaneously over the side. When installing
moorings equipped with chain stud anodes (see Section 8.3.1.1),
care must be exercised that the chain does not drag over sharp
edges which can result in some of the anodes being stripped off.

Upon reaching the bottom, release the anchor and recover the
bridle. Move the barge toward the center marker buoy while
slowly lowering the chain with a flat catenary.

Upon approaching the center marker buoy, pull the subassembly

taut so that the anchor is properly set. Then, lower the bitter end of
the chain (with a pickup buoy attached to it) to the bottom.

The crane barge now proceeds to the second marker buoy and
lowers the anchor (of Part II) 25 feet from the marker toward the
center marker buoy.

The anchor is fitted with a quick release

mechanism and has a crown buoy attached to it.

Upon reaching the bottom, release the anchor and recover the
bridle. Move the barge toward the center marker buoy while
slowly lowering the chain with a flat catenary. Upon approaching
the center marker buoy, pull the subassembly taut so that the
anchor is properly set. Then, using the pickup buoy, retrieve the
end of the first anchor chain subassembly and attach it to the
ground ring. Attach the bitter end of the third anchor chain
subassembly (Part Ill) to the ground ring also. Then lower the

25

Figure 2-6. Lifting Bridle and Release Mechanism

26

ground ring, riser, and buoy into the water alongside the center
marker buoy.

The crane barge will slowly lower the third anchor chain
subassembly while proceeding toward the third ring marker. This
ring marker and its range marker should be used to ensure that the
chain is being installed in a straight line.

When approaching the ring marker buoy, pull the anchor until the
chain leg is taut and then lower the anchor (in a bridle with the
flukes pointed downward) to the bottom and release it using the
quick release mechanism (see Figure 2-7).

Conduct a final inspection of the mooring. Site the three crown

marker buoys from ashore. The positions of these three markers
will be the positions of the anchors. If available, have divers make
an underwater inspection of the mooring installation.

2.2.2.3

Remove all marker buoys with their cables and anchors.

Pull Testing of Anchors. Procedures for pull testing anchors are

contained in Appendix E. Fleet moorings will be pull tested to the
holding capacity of the mooring class listed in Table 1-1.

2.2.2.4

Installation Barge. Whenever possible, the YD or similar barge type craft

to be used for mooring installation should be equipped with two stern
winches to be used for pulling on kedge anchors. The installation barge
should have the capability to anchor itself.

27

Figure 2-7. Typical Riser-Type Mooring Installation

NOTE
Divers may be used to inspect connections and to
check the orientation and tautness of the anchor
chains. They may also be used to jet the anchors into
the bottom if included as part of the design
specification.

28

2.3 RECOVERY INSTRUCTIONS

2.3.1 RISER-TYPE MOORING SYSTEM. These systems are recovered by removing one
anchor chain subassembly at a time. Proceed as follows:

Sling the buoy from the top jewelry.

Lift the buoy and riser until the ground ring is level with the deck of the
crane barge (see Figure 2-8).

NOTE
In the case of a taut mooring, one anchor chain
subassembly may have to be separated from the
ground ring by cutting the first A-link below the
ground ring with a torch.

Stopper off the ground ring (see Figure 2-9).

Lower the buoy down to the deck on its side. Disconnect the riser, and
either block the buoy on its side or place it on blocks to avoid damaging
the tension bar.

Disconnect the riser from the ground ring and buoy.

NOTE
If the joining link cannot be removed, cut the first
A-link with a torch.

Sling the ground ring and lift it until the anchor chain subassemblies are
accessible.

Stopper off one subassembly (see Figure 2-10).

29

Figure 2-8. Lifting the Ground Ring to Deck Level

Figure 2-9. Ground Ring Stoppered Off on Deck

30

Figure 2-10. One Leg Stoppered Off

Attach a retrieval buoy to each of the other two subassemblies. The third
subassembly and the ground ring will be considered together. Fake the
retriever buoy lines on deck to allow easy running.

Cut one subassembly free from the ground ring one link below the chain
joining link. Allow the chain to drop and retriever buoy to run free and
over the side.

Repeat with the other leg that has a retriever buoy attached. Lower the
ground ring on deck (see Figure 2-1 1). Disassemble the chain joining
link, if possible, and disconnect the ground ring from the subassembly.

Sling the chain to the main hoist, raise and remove the stopper.

Continue raising until the next chain joining link is above deck.

3 1

Figure 2-11. Two Anchor Chain Subassemblies Overboarded

Stopper the chain, 3 links below the chain joining link, and lower the
chain joining Iink to the deck for disassembly,

When severed, move this shot of chain aside.

Sling the chain and continue lifting and detaching chain shots as before.

NOTE
All components recovered should be washed down
with seawater before being brought aboard the
barge. Use a high-pressure hose for this purpose (see
Figure 2-12).

When all of the chain has been recovered, bring the anchor aboard.

Pick up a retriever buoy and, using the same procedures, recover a

second subassembly and anchor. Then recover the third.

32

Figure 2-12. Using High Pressure Hose for Cleaning

33

3.0 INSPECTIONS
3.1 GENERAL
3.1.1 OVERALL REQUIREMENTS. All mooring components, either in use or in
storage, must be periodically inspected to determine their current material
condition and their future maintenance requirements. The importance of these
inspections cannot be overemphasized because the effectiveness of any
maintenance program will always depend on how often and how well these checks
and services are performed. Inspection plans, therefore, should take into
consideration the critical elements of frequency of inspections and the
thoroughness, completeness, and quality of work.
3.1.2 INSPECTION CLASSIFICATIONS AND TYPES. For the purposes of this manual,
inspections are classified as either in-service or out-of-service. In-service inspections
are performed on installed moorings; out-of-service inspections are performed on
components stored ashore. There are four basic types of in-service inspections, as
follows:

Annual surface inspections.

Underwater inspections.

Lift inspections.

Damage/failure

inspections.

The above in-service types are addressed and discussed in this chapter. Out-ofservice inspections are covered in chapters 5.0,6.0,7.0, and 8.0.
3.1.3 PURPOSE. The primary purpose of in-service inspections is to determine the
general physical condition of the buoy(s) and chain assemblies. The results of these
inspections are used to decide if a mooring is safe for continued use. Routine
inspections also provide an opportunity to detect and remedy minor material
deficiencies.

Future maintenance requirements are strongly dependent on the

results of periodic in-service inspections.

34

3.1.4 PERSONNEL. Because in-service inspections are conducted offshore, and often
under less than ideal conditions, experienced personnel, as well as reliable
equipment, are required to accomplish these tasks. Topside personnel or divers will
be used to clean and inspect a representative portion of the buoy hull and chain
assemblies. The inspection report of their findings will then be used to assess the
condition of the entire mooring.

Measurements taken, observations made, and

data accumulated must, therefore, be highly accurate and complete in these

instances.
3.2 INSPECTION PROCEDURES
3.2.1 GENERAL. The following paragraphs contain descriptions of the four basic
types of in-service inspections and provide guidelines for performing these
inspections.
3.2.2 ANNUAL SURFACE INSPECTIONS. Shore activities that operate and maintain
fleet moorings must inspect the visible portion of each mooring buoy at least once
each year. The purpose of this annual surface inspection is to ensure that the buoy
and its topside hardware, fenders, and chafing strips are in satisfactory condition,
and to verify that the mooring has not been dragged from its proper location.
3.2.2.1

Buoy Inspection. The buoy should be closely examined to determine its

overall condition. The following should be documented:

Caliper measurements of the upper jewelry whenever these appear

to be excessively worn out or in marginal condition (see Figure 3-l).

in addition, any excess top jewelry or wire rope cables attached to

the buoy should be reported.

Physical damage such as holes, dents, metal distortion, or listing

(see Figure 3-2).

Measurement of the buoys freeboard.

35

Figure 3-1. An Example of Severely Worn Top Jewelry

Figure 3-2. Severe Buoy List

36

Condition of fiberglass on fiberglass-coated buoys. (Fiberglass

should be inspected and any cracks, wear, peeling, or rust bleeding
identified.)

Condition of paint on painted buoys. (Paint should be checked for

cracking, chipping, and/or peeling.)

Condition of water drains and buoy surface penetrations. (Examine

for broken parts, surface rust, and surface pitting.) (See Figure 3-3.)

Figure 3-3. Pitting/Rusting on the Side of a Buoy

Condition of fenders and chafing strips. (Check for physical

integrity and secure connections to the buoys surface.
Fender/chafing strip brackets or studs will be inspected for
corrosion and/or cracks.)

3.2.2.2

B UOY Location. If it is suspected that a mooring has been dragged from

its desired geographic location, the current position of its buoy will be

37

verified by sighting from known positions ashore using a transit, a

theodolite, or any instrument of comparable precision.
3.2.2.3

Documentation. The results of the surface inspection shall be fully

documented (see Figure 3-4, Sample Surface Inspection Form) and filed
in the inspecting activitys maintenance files for future reference. A copy
of this form should be forwarded to CHESNAVFACENGCOM Code FPO-1
for entry into the FMM archives. if a buoy is found to be in relatively
poor condition or in need of repair or overhaul, complete information
concerning funding and the material required to correct the observed
deficiencies should be reported to CHESNAVFACENGCOM.

3.2.3 UNDERWATER INSPECTIONS. The purpose of mooring underwater

inspections is to determine the general condition of buoys and chain assemblies and
to verify or update existing as-built drawings and maintenance records. Each fleet
mooring will be inspected by divers every 2 to 3 years. CHESNAVFACENGCOM has
the overall responsibility for all of these underwater mooring inspections and will
make arrangements for each inspection, analyze the raw data observed, and
prepare reports of the inspection findings. Divers assigned for each inspection will
inspect only a portion of the submerged buoy hull and chain assemblies in order to
compile a general description of the moorings condition.

Consistent

measurements obtained during each inspection will provide a good indication of

the moorings overall condition. Obviously, underwater inspections cannot fully
substitute for a complete inspection involving recovery of the mooring and the
measurement and evaluation of each component.
3.2.4 LIFT INSPECTIONS. In the past, a buoy and riser chain were lifted as high as
possible out of the water and a visual inspection of the buoy, its upper and lower
jewelry, and accessible portions of the riser chain subassembly was conducted to
determine wear, corrosion, or deterioration. Lift inspections

38

have been

BUOY

ACTIVITY/STATION
INSPECTION DATE

NAVSTA
26

Key

November

BUOY

West

SURFACE

(MOORING)

1986 CHIEF INSPECTOR

INSPECTION

NO.

J.A.

FORM

BUOY

T-4

OBSERVED

Carlos

Peg TOP (120" X 96")

TYPE

FREEBOARD

(IN)

42

TOP JEWELRY
AS-BUILT
DIAMETER

COMPONENT TYPE

MEASURED
DIAMETER

COMMENTS

End

Link

1/4

1/8

>

90%

Bow

Shackle

3/4

1/2

>

90%

1/4

Shackle

Between

80%

and

S hould
90%.

be

replaced.

BUOY

RUST

DAMAGE
COMPONENT

TYPE

MAJOR

STEEL

HULL
COATING

PAINT
FIBER
GLASS
OTHER
POLYURETHANE

FENDER

RUBBER
BRACKET
OTHER

WOOD
STUD

CHAFING
STRIP

RUBBER
BRACKET
OTHER

WOOD
STUD

HATCH

OTHER
NOTE:

M I N O R NONE

FOR

HEAVY

MODERATE

LIGHT

NONE

GOOD

FAIR

10

Light Rust
Bleeding
on
Top. Two inches
Marine Growth.
x

USE

SEPARATE

Figure

COMMENTS

x
COMMENTS,

POOR

BOLTS

ADDITIONAL

CONDITION

3-4.

SHEET
Sample

OF

PAPER
Surface

inspection

Form

List

Missing 20% of
Lower Fender.
Upper
Splintered.
Two Strips.

discontinued in favor of underwater diver inspections and will no longer be

conducted. To avoid disturbing the anchors, a mooring should be lifted only when
the buoy and/or riser chain require repair or replacement, or when the mooring is
being completely removed.
3.2.5 MOORING DAMAGE/FAILURE INSPECTIONS. Fleet moorings can be damaged
by collisions or dragged out of position by heavy winds or seas. They can also fail
because of broken mooring components. An inspection of mooring damage, drag,
or failure should be conducted as soon as possible after detection. If a collision has
occurred, then the purpose of the inspection is to determine the extent of the
damage and whether the buoy is in danger of sinking. If the buoy is found to have
hull damage and is in danger of sinking, a marker buoy should immediately be
attached to it so that the buoys position will be marked in the event that it sinks.
Arrangements should then be made to recover the buoy at the earliest opportunity
so that repairs can be accomplished. If the buoy is undamaged, but the mooring has
been pulled off location, arrangements should be made to recover the mooring and
reinstall it in its proper position.
3.2.5.1

Inspection Procedures. Inspection will include the following:

Visual inspection of the buoys hull and associated fenders for

damage (dents, broken fenders, scrapes, hull punctures, etc.).

Check for buoy drag and the excursion of the entire mooring (new
positions should be sighted from known benchmarks ashore and
recorded).

Check for riser chain failures which will cause buoys to float free
from their intended position. Free floating buoys should either be
towed to shore or temporarily attached to an anchor.

3.2.5.2

Documentation. The results of the damage inspection shall be fully

documented. In all cases of damage or suspected damage to a fleet

40

mooring, the cognizant port authority should be notified so that the

mooring will not be used. At most Navy installations, this authority rests
with the Port Services Officer. A failure report must also be submitted as
detailed in Paragraph 1.1.7.1 of this document.

41

4.0 IN-SERVICE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

4.1 GENERAL
4.1.1 SCOPE. In-service maintenance and repair will be limited to the following:

Minor underwater repairs.

Minor buoy and riser assembly repairs.

Replacement of damaged buoys and/or riser assemblies.

Minor repairs to cathodic protection systems.

It should be noted that sufficient lift capability will be needed for replacement of
buoys and/or riser assemblies and, in many instances, for repairs. All of the
maintenance functions listed above are covered in this chapter except for cathodic
protection, which is discussed in Section 8.0.
4.1.2 EQUIPMENT. The following equipment must be readily available for use as
needed:

Crane barge or floating crane.

Tugboat, mule, or other vessel (for maneuvering and positioning the

crane platform).

High-pressure water pump and hose (for cleaning).

4.2 PROCEDURES
4.2.1 BUOY REPLACEMENT (RISER-TYPE). A buoy in a riser-type system can be
replaced without removing the mooring. Proceed with the replacement as follows:

Lift the buoy out of the water and wash it down with seawater from a
high pressure hose.

Secure the riser chain to a bitt or cleat with a wire rope sling.

Detach the buoy from the chain by removing the anchor joining link or
buoy shackle located directly under the buoy.

42

NOTE
If a replacement joning link is not available, the removed
joining link can be cleaned, recoated with a preservative
grease, and reused to secure the new buoy to the riser
chain.

Secure new buoy to riser chain.

Lower new buoy into position in the water.

NOTE
When a tension bar type buoy is lifted onto a barge deck, it
should be placed on railroad ties or on chocks to prevent
damage to the lower portion of the tension bar.

4.2.2 RISER REPLACEMENT. Riser replacement will be accomplished as follows:

Lift the buoy and its attached riser chain out of the water and wash down
with a high-pressure hose.

Hoist buoy and riser chain aboard the barge.

Hold the ground ring on a deck stopper.

Disconnect riser from the ground ring and buoy.

Attach new riser to the buoy and ground ring.

Reinstall buoy and riser in the water.

The above steps are standard procedure for moorings installed in shallow water. In
deep water, however, the ground ring, in all probability, will not be able to be lifted

43

on the deck of the barge without disturbing the anchors. In this situation the
mooring will have to be recovered in order to replace the riser, and then reinstalled
(refer to Section 2.0).
4.2.3 BUOY REPLACEMENT (NON-RISER-TYPE). A non-riser-type buoy will be more
difficult to retrieve than a riser-type. If the mooring has been properly installed,
there will be a catenary section of chain suspended in the water between the buoy
and the anchor. If the catenary angle is large (as in a taut, properly installed
mooring), then it may not be possible to stopper off all four anchor chain
subassemblies on the barge deck simultaneously. It should also be noted that, in
this type of installation, the buoy is kept in place by balanced opposing forces
created by the catenaries of the anchor chain subassemblies. When one of the
subassemblies is cut, the buoy will be pulled in the direction of the opposing leg.
This pull will result in a potentially dangerous horizontal force on the crane boom,
especially if the buoy is being held aloft when the chain is cut. Connecting the
replacement buoy to the anchor chain subassemblies is also difficult under these
conditions. Therefore, in the case of a taut mooring, it is recommended that the
non-riser buoy system be completely recovered prior to replacing the buoy, and that
the mooring be reinstalled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section
2.0. In many non-riser installations, significant slack exists in the anchor chain
subassemblies directly below the buoy. In such cases it may be possible to lift the
buoy and simultaneously stopper off the legs on the barge deck. The new buoy can
then be connected to the anchor chains and replaced in the water.
4.2.4 MINOR REPAIRS. In-service minor repairs to a buoy, such as replacing a
fender, repairing

an upper hull puncture, patching fiberglass or polyurethane,

replacing anodes, or spot painting the buoy, can be accomplished without taking
the buoy ashore. Detailed procedures for the refurbishment of buoys, chain, and
chain accessories are contained in Chapters 5 and 6. Although emergency

44

replacement of smaller sizes of mooring chain components can be accomplished

underwater by divers, mooring component replacement, welding, and other minor
repairs should be accomplished aboard a crane barge. If it is necessary to enter a
buoy, this should be done only when the buoy is ashore or aboard a barge where
there is no possibility of the buoys sinking. Special care must be taken to reseal the
manhole and assure watertight integrity (See Paragraph 5.3.2.5 for leak test
procedures).
WARNING
Buoy manhole covers should not be removed while
the buoy is in the water.

During the inspection of a mooring buoy, its associated top and bottom hardware
should be closely inspected to determine whether any components need to be
reconditioned or replaced.

When reconditioning/replacement is required, the

following should be observed:

4.2.4.1

Welding/Cutting.

Welding chain appendages or cutting out retaining

pins or rivets with a torch should never be done because heating will
introduce internal stresses and reduce the strength of heat-treated steel
components.
4.2.4.2

Shackles/Joining Links. Ensure that shackles, joining links, and other such
fittings with removable parts are treated with an appropriate grease
preservative and refitted.

Care should be taken not to interchange

matched parts of joining links. This can be avoided by tagging each part
of the joining link with a unique identification number or by matching
the stamped numbers on the parts (see Figure 4-l). Locking pins of

45

joining links and shackles should never be welded in place due to the
probable resultant loss of tensile strength of the component.

Figure 4-1. Mooring Material Markings

4.2.5 BUOY COATINGS. Because protective coatings are frequently damaged by
impact or abrasion, it may be necessary to make in-service repairs to coatings of
mooring buoys. In order to repair these coatings, it is necessary to first clean the
exposed steel and the area surrounding the steel of rust, salt, and loose material.
This can be accomplished by wire brushing the steel (preferably power wire
brushing) or by scrubbing with a bristle brush and then drying the area with an
airhose connected to an oil free compressor (when required). The intact coating
surrounding the damaged areas should be abraded to ensure proper bond of the
repair material. There are several proprietary putty-like coatings available called
splash-zone compounds, that can be spread over the cleaned area, wet or dry. MI LP-28579(YD) describes such a curing epoxy-polyamide formulation. There are also
available a number of proprietary brush on coatings that can be applied to damp
surfaces and will cure either above or under water. Either type of coating should
completely cover the steel and extend at least one-half inch over the cleaned
coating surrounding the steel.

46

5.0 ASHORE INSPECTION AND REFURBISHMENT OF BUOYS

5.1 GENERAL
5.1.1 SCOPE. Ashore inspection and refurbishment of buoys will include visual
inspections, repairs, tests, and replacement of damaged components. There are
two types of buoy inspections: preliminary and detailed. The purpose of a
preliminary inspection is to determine whether the buoy is in a condition for a
further, more detailed inspection and subsequent refurbishment or whether it
should be disposed of at this stage.

lf the results of the preliminary inspection

indicate that refurbishment will be cost-effective, then a detailed inspection will be

conducted. The buoy must be cleaned, completely inspected, and tested for airtight
integrity to determine all repair requirements. The buoy can also be sandblasted to
near white metal and, if required, a liquid dye penetrant or magnetic particle test
must be conducted.
5,1.2 PREPARATION FOR ASHORE INSPECTIONS. Prepare the buoy(s) for ashore
inspection as follows:

Clean off buoy with high-pressure water during recovery.

When brought ashore, place the buoy on chocks (railroad ties, cinder
blocks, etc.) to keep the tension bar clear of the ground. For ease of
working, the peg-top type buoy should be placed inverted on chocks.

Remove the top and bottom jewelry, fenders, chafing strips, and
manhole covers. Mark manhole cover positions before removal for later
replacement in the same location.

Remove shackle and joining Iinks from the buoy, as necessary.

47

NOTE
After removal, shackles and joining links should be reassembled
as complete units, including pins. Shackle pins and tapered
locking pins should be used only in their original parent
component.

5.2. INSPECTION PROCEDURES

5.2.1 PRELIMINARY INSPECTION. Before beginning the preliminary inspection, a 1foot-square section of the top and bottom and four l-foot-square sections (two
above and two below the water line) of the side hull plates should be cleaned to
bare metal. Visually inspect these four sections for pitting. In addition, perform a
visual inspection as follows:

Inspect the fenders and chafing strip fastenings for corrosion and wear.

Check hull and deck plates for corrosion, cracks, pitting, and watertight
integrity (see Figures 5-1 and 5-2).

Check the hawsepipe (if the buoy is so constructed) for rust, cracks,
pitting, or other material abnormalities.

Inspect the upper and lower ends of the tension bar (if the buoy is so
constructed) for wear, cracks, rust, or pitting.

If the buoy is a non-riser (telephone) type, check the padeyes for wear or
cracks.

Check the overall condition of the paint, fiberglass, or polyurethane

coating.

Check the interior of the buoy for rust or corrosion.

48

Figure 5-1. Heavy Rusting of Top Deck and Jewelry

Figure 5-2. Severe Top Deck Corrosion

49

Based on the results of this inspection (i.e., internal structural weaknesses, hull plate
cracks, severe pitting or rusting, broken tension bar, excessive corrosion, etc.), a
decision will be made whether to prepare the buoy for a detailed inspection or to
dispose of it.
5.2.2 DETAILED INSPECTION. Perform detailed inspection as follows:
5.2.2.1

Ultrasonic Testing. Conduct this test as follows:

Sandblast the buoy to near white metal in accordance with SSPC-SP10.

Inspect the buoy for damage, cracks, etc.

Conduct an ultrasonic thickness test at four points on the buoy top,

four points on the bottom, and eight points around the
circumference of the hull. Four of the foregoing eight points will
be below the waterline and four above the waterline.

Using a pitting gauge, measure the depths of any pits observed on

the hull of the buoy. (Refer to Paragraph 5.2.2.2 following.)

5.2.2.2

Pitting Inspection. A visual inspection of the buoy hull plates will be

made for pitting. The extent of pitting will determine the remaining life
of the plates. ASTM G46-76, Examination and Evaluation of Pitting
Corrosion, will be the standard reference used to evaluate the damage
and to formulate a quantitative expression that will indicate its
significance.

To obtain a quantitative expression, ASTM G46-76

recommends that the deepest pit be measured, and that metal

penetration be expressed in terms of the maximum pit depth or the
average of the 10 deepest pits. Metal penetration can also be expressed
in terms of a pitting factor.

This is a ratio of the deepest metal

penetration to the average metal penetration as shown in the following

relationship:

50

Pitting Factor =

Deepest Metal Penetration

Average Metal Penetration

A pitting factor of one represents uniform corrosion. The larger the

number, the greater the depth of penetration. Pits will be rated in terms
of density, size, and depth.
5.2.2.3

Welds. Carefully check all welds, both internal and external, for cracks or
corrosion.

If any cracks, fissures, or other flaws are found or are

suspected, then a liquid dye penetrant or magnetic particle test will be

performed to determine the extent of the defects.
5.2.2.4

Air Test. Air test each chamber/compartment in the buoy. Maintain 2 psi
design pressure in each compartment for 30 to 45 minutes (see
Paragraph 5.3.2.5 for procedures).

5.2.2.5

Documentation. The results of all inspections (both preliminary and

detailed) will be fully documented and filed for future reference. If a
buoy or its components are found to be in unsatisfactory condition, the
inspection results should be used in planning and estimating future
repair or replacement material requirements and associated labor costs.
Replacement components should

be requested from

CHESNAVFACENGCOM.
5.3 BUOY REPAIRS AND MODIFICATIONS
5.3.1 GENERAL. Steel buoy repairs and modifications will include manhole cover
replacement, test plug and aperture maintenance, fender and chafing strip repairs,
welding requirements, and air pressure testing of the buoys.
5.3.2 PROCEDURES. Buoy repair and modification will be accomplished as
described below.
5.3.2.1

Manhole Cover Replacement.

accomplished as follows:

51

Manhole cover replacement will be

NOTE
Each manhole cover will be replaced on the opening from
which it was originally removed. Match marks made on
cover and deck plate prior to removal will facilitate its
replacement in the correct location and position.

Clean and lubricate the studs and use chaser nuts where required.

Replace old gasket with a new l/8-inch silicone rubber gasket held
in place with RTV silicone gasket adhesive sealant (M IL-A-46106);
apply sealant only to bottom surface of gasket.

Lift manhole cover by the extension lip and position it over studs.

CAUTION
Exercise care in lowering the cover on the studs so that stud
threads and gasket are not damaged.

Lower manhole cover on studs.

Secure cover bolts. Tighten in at least three steps using an opposite

bolt tightening sequence. Apply final 45-foot-pounds of torque.

5.3.2.2

Test Plugs and Hull Apertures. Clean and check test plug threads before
placement of the plugs in the hull apertures. Teflon sealant tape should
be applied to the threads to ensure a watertight seal.

5.3.2.3

Fenders and Chafing Strips. Overhauled steel buoys will be provided

rubber fenders and chafing strips. In most cases, this will require removal
of the wooden fenders and their channeling, and the wooden chafing

52

strips and connecting brackets. Channeling and brackets will be replaced

by stainless steel studbolts, 3/4-inch in diameter by 2 1/2 inches long (10
threads per inch). The bolts will be positioned and welded to conform to
predrilled holes in the rubber fenders and chafing strips. If the rubber
fenders and chafing strips are not predrilled, they will be drilled to
conform to the positions of the stud bolts. Spacing of the bolts shall not
exceed 16 inches on center.

Figure 5-3 illustrates the recommended

attachment of fendering and chafing strips.

5.3.2.4

Welding.

All welding will be accomplished by trained and qualified

personnel following accepted procedures and standards contained in the

latest edition of AWS D1.1, "The Structural Welding Code."
5.3.2.5

Buoy Air-Pressure Test.

Each buoy compartment will be tested for

tightness at the joints by the application of air pressure. Unless the buoy
is under cover, at least 2 hours of clear weather will be required for the
test. The gauge used for the test must have a current calibration
certification. Proceed as follows:

Install a test plug fitted with a gauge in the top of each buoy
compartment.

Pressurize each compartment with 2 pounds per square-inch of air

pressure for a minimum of 30 minutes after stabilization o f
pressure.

Brush all joints and seams with a solution of commercial leaktesting

fluid. Two percent potassium bichromate may be added to the
solution to inhibit the formation of rust.

Leaks detected will be repaired and the buoy retested.

When all tests and repairs are completed, completely remove leak
testing solution before applying surface primers.

53

Figure 5-3. Recommended Installation of Fenders on Fleet Mooring Buoys

54

5.4 PROTECTIVE COATINGS

5.4.1 PREPARATION FOR APPLICATION. -Preparation of buoys for application of
protective coatings will include the following:

Remove fenders, chain links, steelplates, etc. from the mooring buoy.

When possible, open buoy manhole and check the interior of the buoy
for rust and water damage.

Examine hull for areas that may need repair or replacement.

Pits found that are 3/16 of an inch deep or more will be filled with cladwelding or epoxy repair compounds conforming with MI L-C-24176 and in
accordance with the applicable sections of the Naval Ships Technical
Manual, NAVSEA S9086-AA-STM-000.

Buoys which are fiberglassed should have a steel reinforcing ring welded
around the outside edge of the manhole opening if one is not already
present. The purpose of the ring is to provide a clean, secure surface on
which to seat the manhole cover gasket as well as to reinforce the buoy
deck. The ring should be of l/2-inch steelplate and should extend a
minimum of two inches outward from the edge of the manhole opening.
if a ring is not used, then the manhole opening must be welded closed
using flush steel plates which are reinforced on the underside by steel
backup strips. If this is the case, the buoy will have to be cut open for
subsequent inspections.

NOTE
Do not apply paints or fiberglass coatings to the
top surface of the reinforcing ring.

55

Sandblast exterior surfaces of the metal hull in accordance with the latest
edition of the "Steel Structures Painting Manual, Vol. II, Systems and
Specifications," Specification SSPC-SP-10. All sharp and irregular edges
will be ground smooth.

5.4.2 FOAM FILLED ELASTOMER COVERED BUOYS. In the event of small rips, tears,
punctures, or gouges in the skin and underlying foam, a repair kit containing the
components and procedures required to accomplish minor repairs can be obtained
from commercial vendors. If the buoy should be severly damaged and major repairs
are required, the manufacturer of the buoy should be contacted for advice and/or
assistance.
5.4.3 FIBERGLASS POLYESTER RESIN (FPR) COATING REPAIRS. Fiberglass patches
will be applied as instructed below:

Immediately after sandblasting the areas to be repaired (as noted in

Paragraph 5.4.1), apply one coat of pretreatment primer (MIL-P-15328,
Formula 117), 0.3 to 0.5 mil thickness. The thickness of the primer shall
not exceed 0.5 roil. Film thickness will be checked with a microtest
thickness guage or a comparable instrument.

After the pretreatment primer has dried, apply one coat of clear
polyester resin (M IL-R-21 607) to the surfaces that are to receive the FPR
coating patches.
NOTE
No sandblasted surface will remain uncoated
for more than 4 hours.

56

Commence with the first FPR lamination, which consists of the polyester
resin and chopped fiberglass mat (M IL-M-43248). Accomplish lamination
as follows:
Apply the mat to the pre-coated surface and roll or squeeze to
remove all Iumps and air bubbles.
Lay on additional polyester resin until the mat is thoroughly wet.
Roll or squeeze until smooth, adding additional resin as necessary.

Immediately after the first lamination apply three additional

laminations, as follows, to give a maximum dry film thickness of 3/16 of
an inch.
One lamination of fiberglass woven roving (MI L-C-19663) will be
applied in a manner similar to the initial lamination.
Apply one lamination of fiberglass mat.
Apply one lamination of fiberglass woven roving.
NOTE
Adjacent portions of mat or woven roving in
all laminates shall overlap a minimum of 2
inches to a maximum of 6 inches.

Apply additional polyester resin coatings for each successive

lamination before and after the individual lamination
reinforcement. The reinforcement will be rolled and squeegeed as
in the initial lamination, and the polyester resin will be added and
distributed, as needed, before starting the next lamination.

57

Apply a generous, smooth-finished topcoat of the polyester resin mixture

on the final lamination. The topcoat will be pigmented with 4 ounces of
white color pigment per gallon of resin.
NOTE
Personnel applying the FPR may, in lieu of the
laminations of fiberglass mat, use a chopped
fiberglass-polyster lamination sprayed on the surface
being refinished at the rate of 2 ounces per square
foot.

If breaks occur on the surface such as around the tension bar, padeyes,
and bolts and studs, the FPR coating will be edge-finished carefully using
polyester resin.

5.4.4 PAINT COATINGS. General coating operations, materials, and safety

precautions are described in NAVFAC MO-1 10, Paints and Coatings. The
recommended coating system for mooring buoys is the Navy epoxy-polyamide
system for interior and exterior ship surfaces (M IL-P-24441). Procedures for its use
are thoroughly described in the Naval Ships Technical Manual (NAVSEA S9086-AASTA-00). For optimum results, this coating should be applied to dry steel cleaned to
a near white metal surface.

The above coating should be applied in three coats, each at about 4-roil
film thickness, to give an approximate 3-roil dry film thickness per coat
and a minimum 8-roil total dry film thickness. There should be 16 hours
of curing time between coats. The first coat should be the green primer
(Formula 150); the second, haze gray (Formula 151); and the third, white
(Formula 152).

58

The two components of all MI L-P-24441 coatings should be mixed in

equal volume by first thoroughly stirring each component separately and
then stirring them together.

After mixing, there should be a waiting

period of about 2 hours at 500 to 60F; 1 to 1 1/2 hours at 60 to 70F;

and 1/2 to 1 hour above 70 before applying the coating to ensure
complete curing later. The mixed paints do not require thinning, but the
low temperature application properties can be improved by adding 10
percent, by volume, of a mixture of equal parts of n-butyl alcohol and
AMSCO Super High Flash Naphtha, or an equivalent mixture.
Usual paint spray equipment, either conventional or airless, can be used. The pot
life of the mixed coating is about 6 hours at 73F. If more than 7 days elapse
between epoxy coats, the surface should be cleaned with water and detergent,
rinsed with fresh water, dried, and then a tack coat (1 to 2 roils wet film thickness) of
the last coat applied before application of the next full coat.
The above coating system, when properly applied, will provide at least 3 to 5
years of protection, depending upon the severity of the environment. Experience
has shown that an antifouling paint is usually unnecessary because fouling will not
damage the coating, add a significant amount of weight to the buoy, or otherwise
adversely affect the mooring. In addition, the effective life of antifouling paint is
usually much shorter than the time between buoy overhauls, so that significant
fouling will still occur before the next overhaul. Should an antifouling paint be
desired for the underwater portion of the buoy, MIL-P-15931, Formula 121/63,
applied in two coats, is recommended. The antifouling paint, which is red, must be
applied while the topcoat of epoxy (M IL-P-24441, Formula 152) is still tacky (within 4
to 6 hours after its application). If the epoxy has hardened, a tack coat (1 to 2 roils
wet film thickness) must be applied and allowed to cure for 4 hours before the first
coat of antifouling paint is applied.

59

5.4.5 QUALITY OF WORK. All of the workmanship on the coating systems shall be in
accordance with the Naval Ships Technical Manual, NAVSEA S9086-AA-STM-000.
The work shall be performed by or under the immediate and direct supervision of
skilled personnel who have demonstrated a continuing proficiency in the
application of multilayered coatings on extensively contoured areas similar and
comparable to the exterior of mooring buoys. Quality of workmanship shall meet
the highest standards asset forth in the specifications and manuals noted herein.

60

6.0 ASHORE INSPECTION AND REFURBISHMENT OF CHAIN AND ACCESSORIES

6.1 GENERAL
6.1.1 SCOPE. The purpose of inspecting chain and accessories is to make a sound
qualitative decision as to the disposition of these items. There are two types of
inspections: preliminary and detailed. The preliminary inspection is performed in
the known wear areas and will determine whether the chain and accessories are in
adequate condition for continued use, whether a detailed inspection is required, or
whether the items should be disposed of. In the detailed inspections, each link of
chain and each accessory is thoroughly inspected for corrosion, cracks, wear, pitting,
elongation, or other abnormalities.

Based on the results of this inspection, a

decision is made either to refurbish and retain the material or to dispose of it.
6.2 INSPECTION AND REFURBISHMENT
6.2.1 PRELIMINARY INSPECTION. Before commencing the inspection, the chain
assembly will be disassembled into individual shots or into the shortest whole chain
lengths. The ground ring, swivels, joining links, and shackles will be removed.
Shackles and joining links should be kept together as complete units, including pins.
Shackle pins and tapered locking pins should be used only in their original parent
component. Preliminary inspection will include the following:

Visually inspect all accessories and chain for abnormal wear,

deformation, cracks, or missing studs. Studs should not be removed from
chain links for any reason. Links found without studs should be cut from
the length of chain and discarded.

Take single or double link measurements (as described in Paragraph

6.2.2) in known or suspected high wear areas, such as the first two to
four links on each end of a shot, the wear zone on each anchor leg
assembly (where the chain links are shiny), and components used in the
riser subassembly or used as buoy jewelry.

61

Classify chain and accessories as good, fair, or poor according to the

criteria described in Paragraph 6.2.2 below. All material in good or fair
condition will undergo a detailed inspection before it is recoated and
returned to inventory for future use.

Any material classified in poor

condition (wire diameter less than 80 percent of original size, cracked or

deformed, etc.) is unsuitable for future use and should be disposed of
through normal channels.

Isolated links in poor condition may be cut from a length of chain to

salvage the usable portion. In such cases the remaining links must all be
carefully examined during the subsequent detailed inspection.

6 . 2 . 2 D E T A I L E D I N S P E C T I O N . After the preliminary inspection, (if it is

recommended that a detailed inspection be performed), the chain will be
sandblasted in accordance with the latest edition of the Steel Structures Painting
Manual, Vol. II, Systems and Specifications, Specification SSPC-SP-6. Detailed
inspection of chain and its accessories will include the following:

Take single link caliper measurements of the wear areas at the ends of
the chain links and accessories (anchor joining links, shackles, chain
joining links, etc. (see Figure 6-l). The condition of the chain will be
determined as follows:
CONDITION

AMOUNT OF DETERIORATION

Good

90% or greater of original wire diameter measured.

Fair

80-90% of original wire diameter measured.

Poor

80% or Iess of original wire diameter measured.

Carefully inspect each accessory or chain link for cracks, corrosion,

elongation or other deformations, and other abnormalities. Any

62

Figure 6-1.

Location of Caliper Measurements of Wear Areas In Chain and

Accessories

63

components containing cracks, deformations, or severe localized

corrosion will be classified in poor condition.

Material in good or fair condition should be recoated, tagged, and

returned to the inventory for use.

Material in poor condition is

unsatisfactory for use in fleet moorings and should be discarded.

Isolated links in poor condition may be cut from a length of chain to

salvage the portions in good or fair condition.

Keep shackles and joining links together as complete units (including

pins).

Coat the mating surfaces of the joining links and swivels with a
molybdenum disulfide grease (M IL-G-23549) or an equivalent lithium
based grease.

The results of all inspections (both preliminary and

detailed) will be fully documented and filed for future reference.

Inspection results should be used in planning and estimating future
repair or replacement requirements and associated labor costs.
6.2.3 PROTECTIVE COATINGS. Application of protective coatings should be
performed as follows:

Spray, dip, or brush the abrasive blasted chain with an approved rust
preventative (MI L-C-16173 Grade 11 1).

Place the chain on a clean surface to dry.

NOTE
Coating operations should be avoided on cold,
damp days.

64

7.0 ASHORE INSPECTION AND REFURBISHMENT OF ANCHORS

7.1 GENERAL
7.1.1 SCOPE. Anchors for fleet moorings generally require very little maintenance
and are seldom subject to failure. Although little maintenance is expected, this
chapter will cover the maintenance checks that should be performed whenever an
anchor is removed from service. Maintenance will encompass inspections, tests, and
repairs of the anchors.
7.2 INSPECTION AND REFURBISHMENT
7.2.1 GENERAL. The primary purpose of inspecting an anchor is to determine its
general physical condition and its suitability for reuse. The inspection of an anchor
should only be conducted when the anchor is either temporarily aboard a barge or
in a storage area ashore. There are two types of anchor inspections: preliminary,
which can be conducted either aboard a barge or ashore, and detailed, which is
normally conducted ashore. These inspections should be accomplished as soon as
possible after the anchor is removed from the water.
7.2.2 PRELIMINARY INSPECTION. The purpose of a preliminary inspection is to
determine whether an anchor is in satisfactory condition for continued operational
use. If abnormalities are found and the condition of the anchor is suspect, then a
detailed inspection of the anchor is performed. The preliminary inspection of an
anchor will include the following:

Clean the anchor with a stream of water from a high-pressure hose.

Take at least two caliper measurements of the wire diameter of the

anchor shackle. One measurement should be taken at the wear zone of
the lugs of the shackle. If the wire diameter of the shackle measures
greater than 90 percent, the shackle is accepted. If the measurement is
90 percent or less, the shackle must be replaced.

65

Visually check the anchor for casting irregularities, cracks, or obvious

mechanical damage. On STATO, NAVMOOR, and other welded anchors,
all welds should be checked for cracks, fissures, corrosion, or other
defects. If present, stabilizers and their attachment points should be
inspected for cracks or other signs of weakness.

Conduct a hammer test to determine if there are any invisible cracks or

other abnormalities. To accomplish this test, a crane is required to lift the
anchor off the ground by its anchor shackle. The palm of each fluke is
then struck with a 5-pound (or larger size) hammer. A ringing tone
indicates that there are no abnormalities in the structure of the fluke. A
dull thump indicates that the fluke structure contains serious cracks or
other abnormalities.

The results of the above preliminary inspection measurements, observations,

and tests should be documented. If the inspected anchor is determined to be in
satisfactory condition as a result of this inspection, no further effort will be
expended, and the anchor will be made ready for further use or placed in a
designated storage area.
7.2.3 DETAILED INSPECTION. This inspection will be conducted only if, as a result of
the preliminary inspection, abnormalities are suspected or if the condition of the
anchor is questionable. The detailed inspection will include the following:

Clean anchor by sandblasting to near white metal.

Visually inspect anchor for cracks or casting irregularities. Pay particular

attention to anchor flukes and welds.

Perform a liquid dye penetrant or magnetic particle test on any

suspected cracks or abnormalities in accordance with MIL-STD-271, "NonDestructive Testing Requirements for Metals.

66

If the results of this testing indicate that cracks or other abnormalities do exist,
a decision will have to be made to determine if these abnormalities can be corrected
by grinding and welding or if they are too numerous or too deep for economical
refurbishment of the anchor. If repairs can be made, then as soon as they are
accomplished, the anchor should be protectively coated with a black-gloss solventtype paint (MI L-P-2430). If it is determined that refurbishment of the anchor is not
economically feasible, then the anchor may be retained in storage for future use as
a sinker/clump or disposed of. All findings/results of the detailed inspection shall be
fully documented and filed.

67

8.0 CATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEMS

8.1 GENERAL
8.1.1 SCOPE. Shore activities responsible for the operation and maintenance of
fleet moorings expend considerable time and money maintaining moorings in a
safe, reliable condition. The highly corrosive effect of seawater necessitates a
continuous program of preventive and corrective maintenance. The frequency of
maintenance actions is directly related to the rate of corrosion and wear of the
mooring chain and other components. Recent analysis of the maintenance of fleet
moorings, with and without cathodic protection over extended periods of time,
indicates that the use of an effective cathodic protection system (CPS) can
significantly reduce the corrosion rate of mooring chain, yielding an attendant
savings in maintenance costs.
8.1.2 APPLICATION. Cathodic protection of steel submerged in seawater is achieved
by impressing a negative electrical potential on the surfaces exposed to the
seawater. Several systems have been developed to supplement protective coatings
in an effort to reduce corrosion of fleet mooring chain and accessories. Typically,
the required electrical potential is provided by sacrificial zinc anodes which are
gradually consumed while catholically protecting the steel components. Cathodic
protection of the submerged portion of the buoy may also be provided by sacrificial
anodes attached to the hull. Anchors normally do not require cathodic protection
because bottom mud isolates the anchors from the corrosive effects of the
seawater.
8.1.3 EFFECTIVENESS. The cathodic protection system and the protective coatings
on the mooring components work together to keep the underwater portion of the
buoy and the chain assembly from corroding. It is estimated that such a system,
properly installed and maintained, can provide complete protection for

IS

years in

aggressive environments, and for longer periods at milder locations, before anode

68

replacement becomes necessary. Additional anodes can then be installed without

removal of the mooring. Buoy anodes are not used when the buoy is fiberglass or
polyurethane coated; only the chain and the lower portions of the tension bars on
these buoys must be protected.
8.2 CATHODIC PROTECTION FOR BUOYS
8.2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS. In designing a cathodic protection
system, the extremes of favorable and unfavorable environmental conditions
should be considered.

Favorable local environmental conditions (low salinity,

minimal tide, quiescent water, low dissolved oxygen content, low temperatures,
and moderate currents) result in longer periods of time between preventive or
corrective maintenance. Unfavorable local environmental conditions (high salinity,
high tidal variations, turbulent water, high dissolved oxygen content, high
temperature, and strong currents) increase the wear and corrosion rates and
decrease the time between required maintenance actions. Cathodic protection is
beneficial in all environmental conditions but especially where unfavorable local
conditions exist.
8.2.2 ANODES. Anodes for use on buoys are readily available. One commonly used
is a zinc casting 36 inches long with a nominal cross-sectional area of 16 square
inches. The anode weighs approximately 150 pounds, and is cast on a 48-inch-long
3/4-inch-diameter pipe (see Figure 8-l).

The composition of the zinc is in

conformance with MI L-A-18001. Buoy anodes must be secured in a location where

they will not be subjected to impact by vessels; for example, on the bottom of drumtype buoys, in a sea chest built into core portions of peg-top riser-type buoys, or
within protective cages welded to the conical side of a peg-top buoy. These anodes
should be located about 4 inches from buoy surfaces.
The new foam buoy hulls do not require cathodic protection and, therefore,
anodes are not attached to it. The lower portion of its steel tension bar member,

69

however, is exposed to sea water and must be protected. This is accomplished by

attaching one chain stud anode on either side of the exposed portion of the tension
bar.

Figure 8-1. Buoy Anode

8.2.3 INSTALLATION OF ANODES. Buoy anodes are usually installed while the
buoys are being overhauled ashore. Replacement can also be accomplished at a
mooring site during a regularly scheduled maintenance inspection by lifting the
buoy out of the water and removing and replacing the anodes while the buoy is on
deck. Whether the installation of the buoy anodes are on the bottom, in a sea
chest, or within a protective cage, a pair of angle iron brackets are installed which
will support each buoy anode. The brackets are welded directly to the buoy hull
and generally have threaded fittings for simple anode installation and replacement.

70

The fittings are of clean, unpainted metal to ensure good electrical continuity
between the zinc anode and the buoy hull. Where recessing of the anode is
necessary, the brackets are located in a conveniently sized sea chest built to house
the anode and its fittings (see Figure 8-2). Alternately, protective cages can be
fabricated so as to have sufficient diameter and length to fit over the anode
installation (See Figure 8-3).
8.3 CATHODIC PROTECTION FOR MOORING CHAIN
8.3.1 ANODES. Zinc anodes are used for cathodic protection of mooring chain.
There are basically three types of commercially available sacrificial anodes (zinc
composition conforming with MIL-A-18001). These are chain stud anodes, link
anodes, and clump anodes.

71

Figure 8-2. Buoy Anode Recessed Within a Sea Chest

Figure 8-3. Anode Protective Cage

72

8.3.1.1

Chain Stud Anode. This cathodic protection system consists of an anode

and a bolt assembled to the stud link as shown in Figure 8-4. For each size
chain, a particularize bolt and anode are required (see Table 8-l). Each
anode is stamped with its type. During anode installation on each chain
link, the recommended torque to be applied to the bolt is 25-35 footpounds. If, when attempting to replace a depleted anode, a bolt head is
found to be missing, the center of the remaining bolt should be tapped
with a counter-clockwise l/8-inch thread so that it can be removed using
a counter-clockwise threaded bolt and a hand- or electric-powered
wrench.

Figure 8-4. Chain Stud Anode Assembly

73

Table 8-1. Chain Stud Anode Screw Assembly

Screw Length

Chain/Anode
Size

8.3.1.2

1 1/4

1 3/4

1 1/4

1 1/2

2 1/4

1 3/4

2 1/2

1 3/4

2 3/4

3 1/2

2 1/4

2 1/4

Link Anode. This design incorporates an elongated chain link which is an

in-line component of the mooring. The anode (see Figure 8-5) consists of
approximately 500 pounds of zinc cast onto the chain link. If the chain is
in tension, the electrical connection to the mooring chain is provided by
the exposed metal-to-metal surfaces in the grip area of the links. A
modification of the link anode incorporates a wire rope which provides
the electrical continuity throughout the chain when the links are not in
tension.

8.3.1.3

Clump Anode. This anode is similar in configuration to a small sinker

weight. The required amount of zinc is cast around a steel hairpin and
attached to the chain with a standard sinker shackle or with modified
attachment hardware.

74

Figure 8-5. Link Anode Design

This anode also requires the use of a wire rope, which is woven through the chain to
provide electrical continuity. Wire clips or hose clamps are used to connect the wire
rope to the anodes and to the chain links.
8.3.2 INSTALLATION. For proper operation of the cathodic protection system, the
anodes, wire ropes, and fittings should be free of paint, grease, dirt, or coatings.
The wire ropes and fittings will be catholically protected by the anodes. A cathodic
protection system installation can be most easily and economically accomplished at
the time of the regularly scheduled mooring overhaul and prior to installation of
the mooring system.
8.3.2.1

Chain Stud Anode. This type anode is attached to each stud in the chain
link. The attachment will normally be accomplished by the chain
manufacturer. However, divers or ashore personnel may be required to
replace missing or deteriorated anodes. Installation requires bolting the
proper anode to the chain link stud as previously shown in Figure 8-4. In
some cases new chain shots may be shipped with the studs drilled for
these anodes, but with anodes not installed. In these cases, the threaded
holes will be lubricated with an electrically conductive graphite lubricant
(VV-G-671) to reduce the probability of corrosion, and the hole fitted
with a steel screw to prevent it from being filled with coating material
(see Figure 8-6). The lubricant will not degrade the cathodic protection
system and does not have to be cleaned out before installing the anode.

75

Figure 8-6. Protecting Drilled Studs

8.3.2.2

Link Anode. Link anodes are installed between lengths of chain with two
chain joining links (see Figure 8-7). The installation must be completed
onshore or on the crane barge before the mooring is installed. A reliable
electrical path is normally provided by a wire rope continuity cable
clamped to the Iink portion of the anode and attached to the chain as
described in Paragraph 8.2.3.4.

8.3.2.3

Clump Anode. Clump anodes are usually installed ashore during

mooring overhaul. The anode is attached to the chain with wire rope
(see Figure 8-8). To provide an electrical path from the anode to the
chain, a wire rope continuity cable must be clipped or clamped to the
anode's hairpin and attached to the chain as described in the following
paragraph.

8.3.2.4

Wire Rope. The wire rope, used to provide the electrical continuity, is
normally 5/8- to 3/4-inch-diameter galvanized steel. Wire ropes of these
diameters have the strength characteristics needed for this purpose, and
yet are flexible enough for interweaving through the chain links. The
wire rope should be interwoven through every fourth link in a shot and

76

Figure 8-7. Link Anode Installed in a Chain Section

Figure 8-8. Clump Anode and Chain as Viewed Underwater

77

attached to every eighth link with a hose clamp, wire clip, or U-bolt. Prior to
attaching the continuity wire to the chain link, part of the link must be cleaned to
bare metal so that the chain link and the continuity wire have good metal-to-metal
contact. This is important for a sound electrical connection.
8.3.3 ANODE REPLACEMENT. An anode should be replaced if less than 25 percent
of its original weight remains.

Replacement should be accomplished by trained

personnel, and equipment and materials should be on hand, both ashore and on
crane barges, to support this activity. Replacement of chain stud anodes can easily
be handled by divers. However, replacement of in-line link anodes, clump anodes,
and buoy anodes is more difficult for divers. In addition, divers will find it difficult
to replace any anodes in areas where the bottom is muddy or where the anchor
chain subassembly is partially buried.

78

9.0 STORAGE OF MOORING MATERIALS

9.1 GENERAL
9.1.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. Mooring components are usually stored in open
areas near a coastline, thus exposing them to weather and a marine environment.
To prevent deterioration while in storage, some preventive maintenance will be
required in addition to the routine material handling and inventory control tasks
normally performed by a storage facility. The job of handling, maintaining, and
controlling stored components will be made much easier if some basic guidelines, as
noted below, are followed.

The storage area should be large enough to permit efficient movement

of forklifts, cranes, and other large mobile equipment.

Arrangement of components should allow easy access for inspections,

inventory checks, and selection.

To reduce corrosion, all components except cathodic protection materials

should be coated with paint, approved rust preventatives, coal tar, or
other suitable preservatives as detailed in Chapters 5.0,6.0, and 7.0.

All components should be tagged or Iabelled to ensure proper

identification and accurate inventory reporting.

Chain accessories such as joining links, swivels, ground rings, and shackles
should be crated or banded together on pallets to permit easy handling.
The paragraphs that follow provide additional details and other
considerations for Fleet Mooring Inventory (FMI) storage.

9.1.2 STORAGE AREA REQUIREMENTS. Shore activities requiring spare mooring

materials and those activities designated as stock points for the FM I will require a
suitable storage area. The following should be observed:

The FMI should normally be stored in a secure area designated by activity

personnel responsible for space allocation.

79

The storage area should be on solid ground or on improved surfaces, and

graded for drainage.

The area should be large enough, as well as configured, to allow easy

access of equipment and personnel involved in chain handling and other
maintenance operations.

The area should be close to maintenance areas, transportation

equipment, and the waterfront to reduce both maintenance and
transportation costs.

9.2 STORAGE PROCEDURES

9.2.1 BUOYS. Store buoys as follows:

Place all drum type buoys on chocks or dunnage, with all metal parts
clear of the ground, and tilted (using additional chocks or dunnage
under one side) to facilitate water runoff.

Store peg-top buoys in an inverted position (see Figure 9-l).

Buoys should be periodically inspected to aid in the detection and prevention

of localized corrosion areas.

If corrosion is found, corrective action should be

implemented. Corrosion commonly develops in the web of channel irons securing

wooden fenders, in the hull behind rubber fendering, and on the nuts/studs used to
secure manhole covers, fenders, and chafing strips. Ground or chock contact points
are also susceptible to higher corrosion rates. Any area on the top of the buoy that
could collect water is susceptible to accelerated corrosion.
9.2.2 CHAIN AND CHAIN ACCESSORIES. Chain is normally stored ranged out in
tiers, bailed a single shot at a time on a pallet, loaded in shipping crates, or in
bundles. The ground where the chain is stored should be clear of all debris and

80

Figure 9-1. Proper Storage of a Peg Top Buoy

growth, and well drained. To prevent its intermixing with older grades of chain, FM
3 chain and accessories should always be stored separately.
9.2.2.1

Tiered Chain. Store chain in tiers as follows:

Lay chains down stretched out taut and free of turns.

Pile tiers in multiple layers to reduce storage space (see Figure 9-2).

Each tier should contain chain of similar construction, size, and

condition for ease of access and accurate inventory control.

The ends of each length of chain should have an identification tag

attached to it which contains the chain size (in inches), type
(cast/forged/etc.), length (in feet), and manufacturer.

9.2.2.2

Palletized Chain.

Chain may also be stored and handled on pallets.

Normally, chain is palletized in single shot lengths to reduce handling

weights and to simplify inventory.

Chain pallets normally consist of

wooden or steel pallets onto which the chain is piled.

81

Figure 9-2. Chain Stored in Tiers

9.2.2.3

Crated Chain. Reusable wooden crates can be used for the shipment and

storage of chain and will normally contain a single shot of chain. The
crates can be stacked to reduce deck space requirements if not loaded
beyond the design capacities stamped on the crates (see Figure 9-3). Five
standard-sized crates have been constructed for the various chain sizes.
The design of one of these crates is shown in Figure 9-4.
9.2.2.4

Bundled Chain. Chain will be bundled by reeving wire rope through the
last link on each end of the shot and through two other Iinks, each
approximately 30 feet from the nearest end of the shot. The ends of the
wire rope shall be secured to each other to form a sling which may be
used to lift the entire shot. When Iifted, the total length of the shot/sling
combination shall not exceed 20 feet.

9.2.2.5

Accessories. Accessories should be boxed, crated, or banded to pallets.

Components of the same size, type, and condition should be stored
together for inventory control and ease of access. Parts for joining links

82

Figure 9-3. Stacking Crates of Chain

and pins for shackles should not be mixed or interchanged, but stored
together as matched sets to ensure proper fit in the field. All joining
links and shackles should be stored clean, free of rust, well-greased, and
loosely assembled. Joining links should never be disassembled and their
parts stored separately.
9.2.3 ANCHORS. Store anchors as follows:

Place anchors on dunnage and in a vertical position.

Store according to type and size for ease of inventory control.

U.S. Navy anchors have identification marks cast, stamped, or cut on the
anchor crown. When stored in a vertical position, these identification marks are not
visible. When stored vertically, this information should be transferred to a suitable
tag or stenciled to the anchors shank.
9.2.4 CATHODIC PROTECTION MATERIALS. Larger anodes stored outside should be
sealed in plastic liners and boxed to preclude premature galvanic action. Do not
store anodes in the open or near other dissimilar metals, which could result in

83

Figure 9-4. Overseas Shipping Container for 3 1/2- and 4-inch Chain
(14,000 lb. Capacity)
84

corrosion of the anodes. Chain stud anodes should be stored in 55-gallon steel
drums with removable, bolt-on type lids. Only one size of anode shall be packed in
each drum. Cathodic protection material should be kept clean and should not be
painted or coated with oil or grease during either storage or use.
9.2.5 MARKING AND IDENTIFICATION. Marking and identification of components
will be accomplished as described below.
9.2.5.1

General. Proper marking and identification of all mooring components

will assist in conducting inventories, will help prevent use of improper or
substandard materials, and will speed assembly and installation times
when required components must be drawn from inventory.

9.2.5.2

Color Coding. It is also good practice to color code chain to identify its
condition. Recommended colors to be applied to the last link on each
end of a chain length are:

9.2.5.3

Green - for chain in new or good condition.

Yellow - for chain in fair condition.

Red - for chain in poor condition and ready for disposal.

Identification. Identification of chain and accessories shall be on tags of

0.031-inch thick aluminum alloy 1100 or 3003, attached using 0.031-inch
diameter 300 series corrosion resisting steel wire through 0.125-inch
diameter holes at each end of the tag. Characters shall be metal stamped
using 0.25-inch high characters. Tag size and information content shall
be as specified in Figure 9-5. On chain shots, tags shall be attached to the
last link on each end of the shot. Tags will be attached snugly to each
accessory in a location away from the grip area of the component, and
shall be bent to conform to the contour of the component to minimize
risk of snagging or damaging the tag.

85

EXAMPLE TAG
Figure 9-5. Shipping Tag

9.2.5.4

Chain and Accessories. Chains and accessories are marked and identified
as follows:

The size and the name of the manufacturer are stamped or forged
on each chain link or accessory during manufacture.

New FM 3 chain will also have a unique serial number on each

accessory and on the links at the end of each shot of chain (see
Figure 9-6).

The serial number will be used together with

documentation furnished by the manufacturer (heat number,

chemical composition, etc. ) to monitor the pe rformance of
different heats of chain.

Crates used to ship new chain and accessor ies from the
manufacturer will be marked to show:
Contents,
Weight,
Contract and shipping data, and
Stacking limitations.
Contents, etc.

86

An artists drawing of an overseas shipping container for chain

accessories is depicted in Figure 9-7.

Figure 9-6. Chain Markings

Figure 9-7. Overseas Shipping Container for Chain Accessories (3000 lb. Capacity)

87

9.2.5.5

B U O Y S. New buoys should have an identification plate showing the

following:

Serial number,

Manufacturer,

Date of manufacture,

Diameter,

Height,

Weight in air,

Maximum tension bar load, and

NAVFAC drawing number.

This plate should be protected during sandblasting and should not be

painted or coated.
9.2.5.6

Anchors. Identification information for anchors is cast on the crown, on

the flukes, or on the side of the shank. Minimum information provided is
as follows:

Manufacturer,

Weight, and

Serial number.

9.2.6 PRE-ISSUE INSPECTION. Items that are issued from inventory should be
inspected prior to shipping or movement from the storage facility. A bill of material
should be reviewed to ascertain the components required and a check of all
material sizes accomplished. To ensure all mooring components fit when shipped to
the field, a physical fit check should be accomplished prior to shipment. The many
configurations and designs of mooring hardware increase the likelihood of a misfit
if a physical fit check is not accomplished.

88

APPENDIX A
REFERENCES

A-1

1.1 NAVFAC DESIGN MANUALS

TITLE
DM-7

Soil Mechanics, Foundations, and Earth Structures

DM-26.3

Coastal Sedimentation and Dredging

DM-26.4

Fixed Moorings

DM-26.5

Fleet Moorings

DM-26.6

Mooring Design Physical and Empirical Data

DM-35

Drydocking Facilities

1.2 NAVFAC MAINTENANCE ORDERS

TITLE
MO-110

Painting and Protective Coatings

1.3 NAVAL SHIPS TECHNICAL MANUALS

TITLE
NAVSEA S9086-AA-STM-000

Naval Ships Technical Manual (latest revision):

Chapter 581, Anchors and Anchoring; Chapter 050,
Readiness and Care of Vessels in Inactive Status;
and Chapter 631, Preservation of Ships in Service

1.4 NAVFACENGCOM PUBLICATIONS

TITLE
NAVFACENGCOM P-71 5.0

EPS Wharf building Handbook (T R-Service)

(November 1979)

1.5 NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

TITLE
--

Organic Coating properties, Selection and Use;

Building Science Series 7 (February 1968)

A-2

1.6 OTHER PUBLICATIONS

TITLE
Keane, John D., S t e e l S t r u c t u r e s P a i n t i n g
Manuals, Volume 2, Systems and Specifications,
(latest edition) Steel Structures Painting Council,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Book of Standards (latest revision), American Wood
Preservers Association, Washington, D.C.
deBoer, F. L., F i b e r g l a s s C o a t i n g s f o r F l e e t
Moorings, Navy Civil Engineer, pp. 16-17 (March
1970)
Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels (latest
edition), American Bureau of Shipping, New York,
New York
Rules for Building and Classing Single Point
Moorings, American Bureau of Shipping, New York,
New York (1975)

A-3

APPENDIX B
MOORING COMPONENTS

B-1

APPENDIX B
MOORING COMPONENTS

1.1 GENERAL. This appendix discusses the various types of fleet mooring material
components currently in use and describes their distinctive
characteristics. For clarity, sketches of these components are included (all figures
may be found at the end of this appendix).
1.2 FLEET MOORING BUOYS. The size of the buoy used in a particular fleet mooring
is dependent on the depth of the water and the weight of the chain suspended in
the water column. Figure B-1 shows the four types of buoys commonly used in fleet
moorings.
1.2.1 BUOY SYSTEMS. Buoy systems fall into two categories, riser and non-risertypes, depending upon the configuration of the ground tackle securing them to the
sea floor. Riser-type systems have a single point at the center of the bottom of the
buoy to which a riser chain is attached. The non-riser-type system has a larger buoy
with three to four padeyes attached to its circular bottom edge. Each of these
padeyes is attached to one or more anchor leg subassemblies.
1.2.2 BUOY TYPES. The following types of buoys are currently utilized in fleet
moorings:
1.2.2.1

Drum BUOY. This buoy is normally made of steel and is available in a

variety of sizes. The shape of the buoy resembles a drum, and it is
primarily used in smaller classes of moorings. The older standard design
has a paint or fiberglass coating while the newer design has a
polyurethane coating. This type of buoy contains either a tension bar or
a hawsepipe (see Figure B-l).

Tension Bar. A tension bar is a steel bar which passes through the
center of the buoy with padeyes on top and bottom. The new

B-2

foam buoy has a 10-inch diameter pipe used as a tension bar. The
lower padeye is connected to the upper link of the riser chain. A
moored vessel can be connected to the upper padeye by its anchor
chain, wire rope, or mooring hawsers.

Hawsepipe. A hawsepipe is a cylindrical tube passing through the

center of the buoy. The riser chain is passed through this tube and
its upper Iink is held on the top of the buoy with a slotted chain
plate. The lower portion of the riser chain within the hawsepipe is
protected from wear by a rubbing casting which encircles the chain
and greatly reduces the probability of chain abrasion. A moored
vessel ties directly to the riser chain. The buoy is nonstructural in
that the mooring load passes through the buoy via the riser chain.

1.2.2.2

Peg Top Buoy. This buoy is also used to support riser-type moorings, and
includes either a tension bar or hawsepipe. Peg top buoys are conically
shaped, with the top deck area considerably larger than the bottom
surface (See Figure B-l).

1.2.2.3

Non-Riser-Type Buoy. These buoys are larger than those used in risertype moorings since they have the additional weight of three or more
ground legs to support in the water column. These buoys have a swivel
at the top to which the moored vessels anchor chain or hawser is
attached. Three or four padeyes, to which the anchor leg assemblies are
connected, are equally spaced around the buoys hull (see Figure B-l).

1.2.2.4

Foam Buoy. This is the latest buoy design approved by the Navy. The
buoy consists of a tension bar encompassed by a rigid closed-cell interior
foam which is covered by a flexible cross-linked polyethylene foam
adhered to the rigid interior foam. The overall foam buoy is encased

B-3

within a minimum of a 3/4-inch thick aliphatic urethane elastomer shell

(see Figure B-l).
This buoy is vastly superior to the older steel formed buoy in that:

If its outer hull is punctured, it will not flood and sink.

It is considerably lighter than the steel buoy required to support a

comparable weight in the water column.

It requires minimum preventative and corrective maintenance.

Its resilient construction greatly reduces the probability of damage

caused by collision with mooring ships.

The projected operational maintenance costs are considerably less

than those of the standard steel buoy.

1.3 CHAIN AND CHAIN ACCESSORIES. Mooring chain not only secures the buoy in a
predetermined position, but its weight also serves to absorb energy caused by the
dynamic motion of moored vessels. Chain is usually manufactured in 15-fathom (90foot) lengths, called shots. The chain diameter required for a particular mooring
will vary depending on the anticipated maximum load. Mooring chain links
normally have center crossbars, called studs, to retain the original shape of the link
and to prevent the chain from kinking when it is piled in a heap. The wire diameter
of fleet mooring chain links normally varies from 1-3/4 to 4 inches.
1.3.1 CHAIN TYPES. Chain currently manufactured consists of cast, dilok, or flash
butt-welded links. Figure B-2 contains schematic drawings of these three types of
chain links.
1.3.1.1

Cast Chain. A distinctive feature of this type of chain is that the studs are
solid and cast integrally with the links. Cast chain is also made to
commercial link standard dimensions.

1.3.1.2

Dilok Chain. A dilok link, which is chiefly used in a ships anchor chain,
and not fleet moorings, is made of two forged U-shaped pieces. A

B-4

forged stem of one piece (the male) contains a series of parallel

serrations giving an appearance of concentric rings. The other socket
piece (the female) has holes at each end. in joining the two pieces to
form a link, the pierced socket section is heated, then the stems of the
other section are inserted into the holes. The socket section is then
forged with a drop hammer, forcing its material around the indentations
in the other pieces stems, while both pieces are held in die blocks (see
Figure B-3).

Each chain link is made to commercial link standard

dimensions, which are 6 wire diameters long by 3.6 wire diameters wide.
1.3.1.3

Flash Butt-Welded Chain. Each link of this chain is formed by bending a

heated rod into an open chain link shape and flash welding the two butt
ends. While the link is still hot, a stud is inset-ted and the link is pressed
on both sides to secure the stud. After cooling, one or both ends of the
stud may be welded to the link (see Figure B-4).

1.3.2 CHAIN GRADES. The properties of the steel used in the manufacture of chain
for the Navy follow specifications that are similar to the rules followed in the
manufacture of commercial chain. For commonly available chain, there are three
different material qualities designated: Grades 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Grade 3
(which is used as FM 3 chain) has the highest strength of the three and is the grade
currently being procured by the Navy for fleet mooring use and is singularly suited
for application of a cathodic protection system. Figure B-5 depicts a comparison of
the breaking strengths of these different materials.

B-5

1.3.3 CHAIN ASSEMBLY ACCESSORIES.

1.3.3.1

Chain Joining Link. This link is also called a detachable joining link, a
chain connecting link, a detachable link, a Iugless joining shackle, a
detachable connecting link, or a Kenter shackle. This link is used to
connect two shots of chain, two A-links, a swivel and an A-link, etc. Its
wire diameter should be the same size as the mooring components it
connects. The two chain joining links commonly found in the Fleet
Mooring Inventory are the Baldt and Kenter types, named after the
companies which developed their designs. Figures B-6 and B-7 provide
sketches of and dimensional information concerning the Baldt and
Kenter designs, respectively. Procedures for assembling a Kenter type
chain joining link are contained in Appendix D.

1.3.3.2

Anchor Joining Link. This link is also called a detachable anchor

connecting link. This component joins the end of a chain composed of
common links to any of various enlarged mooring components, such as a
ground ring, a buoy padeye, an end link, or an anchor shackle. Figures B8 and B-9 provide sketches of and dimensional information for the Baldt
and Kenter types of anchor joining links.

1.3.3.3

Shackles. Although there are many types of shackles available and in use
throughout industry, there are four basic types of shackles used in fleet
moorings:

Joining Shackle. This shackle is also called a D-link, a D-shackle, or a

joining shackle, D type, and is used to connect lengths of chain.
The shackle is similar in shape to an anchor joining shackle but
smaller in size. Figure B-10 provides a schematic of a typical joining
shackle and a dimensional table of its various sizes.

B-6

Anchor Joining Shackle. This shackle is also called a bending

shackle, an F-link, an F shackle, or an end shackle. It is an enlarged
joining shackle used to connect lengths of chain which have larger
sized chain end links.

Buoy Shackle. This type of shackle is similar to the anchor joining

shackle, except that it has a round pin. It is used as top jewelry. A
schematic drawing of this shackle and its various dimensions is
shown in Figure B-Ii.

Sinker Shackle. This shackle has elongated shanks and is designed

to fit over the width of a chain link and attach a sinker bail to the
chain. This type shackle is not considered a structural component of
a mooring. Figure B-12 provides a schematic drawing of a sinker
shackle and its various dimensions.

1.3.3.4

Common Stud Link Chain. This link is also called a common link, a stud
link, or an A-link chain. This chain is the basic component of a fleet
mooring and is normally manufactured in 90-foot (l-shot) lengths. A
schematic drawing of a common stud link and its various dimensions is
shown in Figure B-13.

1.3.3.5

Enlarged Link. This link is also called a B-link. It is a large common stud
link which acts as an adapter and is used between the last common stud
link of a chain and the end link. Figure B-14 provides a schematic
drawing of an enlarged link and its dimensions.

1.3.3.6

End Link. This link is also called an E-link or an open end link. It is used as
the last link on a shot of chain, allowing a joining shackle or other type
joining link to connect two shots of chain together. Figure B-15 provides
a schematic drawing of an end link and a dimensional table of its various
sizes.

B-7

1.3.3.7

C-Link. This link is similar to an end link except that it has an off-center
stud. Offsetting the stud provides sufficient space for the lugs of a
shackle to pass through the larger opening.

1.3.3.8

Pear Link. This link is also called a pear-shaped link, a pear-shaped ring,
or a pear-shaped end link. This is an end link with one end larger than
the other (see Figure B-16). When cast/forged onto a ground ring, as
shown in Figure B-16, it is used as an adapter to connect the ground ring
to an anchor joining Iink (see Figures B-8 and B-20).

1.3.3.9.

Swivel. A swivel is used to prevent twisting of the riser chain subassembly

of a riser-type, free-swinging mooring, and is also used in each anchor
chain subassembly (near the anchor) to prevent the chain from twisting
during installation (see Figure B-17). This standard swivel is normally
manufactured with a similar sized common link on each end.

1.3.3.10 Swivel Shackle (Chain).

This component can be used in place of the

standard swivel. Both ends of the swivel shackle are required to fit a
common link of a specified nominal chain size and are procured without
attached common links (see Figure B-18).
1.3.3.11

Modified Swivel Shackle (Riser). This modified swivel shackle has two
different jaw sizes and is designed to be used in lieu of the standard
swivel in a riser. The top end of the riser swivel shackle is required to fit a
shackle eye plate of the tension bar while the other end will be sized to
fit the upper riser link to which it will attach (see Figure B-19).

1.3.3.12 Ground Ring. This is a large steel ring in a riser-type mooring which joins
a riser chain subassembly to three or more anchor chain subassemblies.
Figure B-20 shows a schematic drawing of FM3 ground rings. The size of
the ring for withstanding a particular proof load may vary widely due to
different manufacturing processes.

B-8

1.3.3.13 Spider Plate. This is a steel pIate or casting, triangular in shape, that has
three or more holes for joining several chains together (see Figure B-21).
1.3.3.14 Chain Equalizer. The equalizer is a half-rounded type of fitting (similar
to a nonmovable pulley) with wide jaws through which an anchor chain
subassembly is passed and then connected to two separate anchors.
When tension is applied to the mooring, the chain has free movement to
slide through the equalizer until the loads are equal in both subassembly
legs (see Figure B-22).
1.4 ANCHORS. Fleet moorings are held in place by some type of bottom anchoring
system. The types described below are normally used for this purpose.
1.4.1 NAVY STANDARD STOCKLESS. These anchors are used extensively in fleet
moorings primarily because of their availability. However, they are prone to rotate
after reaching their maximum holding power, which results in a pullout. To reduce
the possibility of rotation, stabilizers are often welded to the anchor. The older
type stabilizers consisted of a 1-inch wall-thickness pipe of variable diameters. A
newly designed l/2-inch wall-thickness square tube (NAVFAC Drawing No. 1404456)
will be used for future stabilizers (see Figure B-23). Navy standard stockless anchors
range in size from 500 to 40,000 pounds.
1.4.2 NAVFAC STATO. These anchors were developed for the Naval Facilities
Engineering Command as permanent mooring-type anchors. The stabilizers have
been designed and tested for maximum stability (see Figure B-23). The angle
between the shank and the flukes is adjustable in the field to a 34-degree angle or a
50-degree angle for operations in sand and mud, respectively. STATO anchors
range in size from 200 to 15,000 pounds.
1.4.3 NAVMOOR ANCHOR. This is a prototype anchor being designed for primary
use in fleet moorings vice ships. Its holding power is considerably higher than other
anchors.

B-9

1.4.4 STAKE PILES. This type of anchoring system which consists of wood or steel
pilings driven into the bottom can be used in certain moorings as an anchor. The
disadvantages of this type system are that the stake pile is fixed and cannot absorb
shock energy as well as an anchor, and that a pile-driving rig is required for
installation.
1.4.5 PEARL HARBOR ANCHOR. This anchor is essentially a concrete sinker with a
wedge shape (see Figure B-23). It is relatively inexpensive to build and can be
fabricated onsite. The size and weight required to obtain adequate holding power,
however, make the anchor bulky and difficult to handle.
1.4.6 PROPELLANT-EMBEDMENT ANCHOR (PEA). This relatively new anchor has
been utilized in a number of recent mooring installations. An anchor fluke is
emplaced in a gun assembly. The entire assembly, consisting of the gun (launch
platform), downhaul cable, and anchor fluke (see Figure B-24), is lowered to the
bottom. The gun is then fired and the fluke, depending upon the material of the
ocean bottom, is driven 10 to 40 feet into the subsurface strata (see Figure B-25).
Attached to the fluke is a wire rope downhaul cable (2 to 3 inches in diameter). The
upper end of this downhaul cable is then connected to a wire rope pendant and the
anchor chain subassembly or is directly connected to the anchor chain subassembly
by swage and shackle fittings.

The gun assembly is recovered for re-use. A

photograph of a propellant-embedment anchor being prepared for installation is

shown in Figure B-26.
1.5 CATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEMS. Cathodic protection is an electrical method
of preventing corrosion of metallic structures in a conducting medium (usually
water or soil) by placing an electrical charge upon them. The charge is supplied by
direct current from an anode that consumes itself (sacrificially) in generating the
current or by rectified alternating current.
discussed in Section 8 of this manual.

B-10

Cathodic protection systems are

NEW DRUM DESIGN

STANDARD DRUM DESIGN

A. DRUM RISER-TYPE BUOY WITH TENSION BAR

B. PEG-TOP MARK II RISER-TYPE BUOY

C. DRUM NON-RISER TYPE (TELEPHONE) BUOY

D. NEW FOAM BUOY

Figure B-1. Commonly Used Fleet Mooring Buoys

B-11

Figure B-2. Typical Chain Links

Figure B-3. Manufacturing Dilok Chain

B-12

2 The heated blank is bent into

the chain.

5 The drop forged stud is rigidly fixed by hydraulic pressure while the link is still hot.

Figure B-4. Producing Flash Butt-Welded Chain

B-13

Figure B-5. Chain Breaking Strengths

B-14

TYPICAL CHAIN JOINING LINK-BALDT TYPE

(All Dimensions in Inches)

Nominal
Diameter A(min) A(max) B(min) B(max) C(min) C(max) D(min) D(max)

E(min) E(max) F(min) F(max) G(min) G(max)

1 1/4

7.31

7.69

4.88

5.13

1.69

1.78

1.22

1.23

1.37

1.44

1.49

1.57

0.79

0.63

1 3/4

10.24

10.76

7.31

7.69

2.38

2.50

1.71

1.79

1.95

2.05

2.16

2.27

1.16

1.22

11.70

12.30

7.56

7.94

2.44

2.56

1.95

2.05

2.25

2.37

2.44

2.56

1.28

1.35

2 1/4

13.16

13.84

8.50

8.94

2.74

2.88

2.19

2.31

2.56

2.69

2.74

2.88

1.46

1.54

2 1/2

14.63

15.38

9.45

9.93

3.05

3.20

2.44

2.56

2.80

2.95

3.05

3.20

1.61

1.70

2 3/4

16.09

16.91

10.54

11.08

3.60

3.78

2.80

2.95

3.17

3.33

3.60

3.78

1.77

1.86

17.55

18.45

11.33

11.92

3.66

3.84

2.93

3.08

3.44

3.62

3.66

3.84

1.92

2.02

3 1/2

20.60

21.65

13.44

14.13

4.69

4.93

3.66

3.84

4.02

4.23

4.39

4.61

2.35

2.47

23.40

24.60

15.11

15.89

5.06

5.32

3.90

4.10

4.51

4.74

4.81

5.06

2.62

2.75

NOTE :
ALL CHAIN JOINING LINKS MUST
BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE
COMMON STUD LINK OF THE SAME
NOMINAL SIZE.

Figure B-6. Chain Joining Link- Baldt Type

TYPICAL CHAIN JOINING LINK

(All Dimensions in Inches)
Nominal
Diameter

G(min) G(max) H(min) H(max) I(min)

I(max) J(min) J(max) K(min) K(max) L(min) L(max) M(min) M(max)

7.53

5.23

5.28

1.7

1.76

1.23

10.47

10.54

7.32

7.39

2.4

2.49

1.72

1.79

2.30

2.31

11.96

12.04

8.36

8.44

2.7

2.84

1.96

2.04

2.54

2.60

13.46

13.55

9.50

3.1

3.20

2.21

1.74

2.83

2.89

14.95

15.05

10.45

10.55

3.4

3.55

1.84

1.91

3.11

3.18

16.45

16.56

11.50

11.61

3.76

2.01

2.09

3.39

3.47

17.94

18.06

12.54

12.66

3 in

2.35

2.43

3.96

4.04

20.93

21.07

14.53

2.68

2.78

4.52

23.92

24.08

16.72

1 1/4

0.84

0.87

1 3/4

1.17

1.22

1.34

2 14

1.41

1.44

7.48

1.98

2.02

1.39

2.26

1.51

1.56

2 1/2

1.68

2 3/4

4.62

9.41

1.28

2.26

2.31

0.691

0.726

2.38

3.16

3.24

0.691

0.726

2.63

2.72

3.61

3.70

0.691

0.726

2.30

2.96

3.08

4.06

4.16

1.075

1.130

2.45

2.55

3.29

3.40

4.51

4.63

1.075

1.130

3.91

270

2.81

3.62

3.74

4.96

5.09

1.075

1.130

4.1

4.26

2.94

3.06 3.95

4.08

5.42

5.55

1.075

1.130

14.77

4.8

4.97

3.43

3.57

4.60

4.76 6.32

6.48

1.382

1.453

16.88

5.5

5.68

3.92

4.08

5.26

5.44

7.40

1.382

1.453

NOTE
ALL CHAIN JOINING LINKS MUST
BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE
COMMON STUD LINK OF THE SAME
NOMINAL SIZE.

Figure B-7. Chain Joining Link - Kenter Type

1.64

1.70

R(min) R(max) N(min) N(max)

7.22

B-17

TYPICAL ANCHOR JOINING LINK - KENTER TYPE

Nominal
Diameter
1 1/4
1 3/4
2
2 1/4
2 1/2
2 3/4
3
3 1/2
4

A(max) B(max) C(min) C(max) H(rnin) H(max) J(max) J(min) K(max)

1.88
2.63
3.00
3.38
3.75
4.13
4.50
5.25
6.00

1.56
2.19
2.50
2.81
3.13
3.44
3.75
4.38
5.00

0.75
1.05
1.20
1.35
1.50
1.55
1.80
2.10
2.40

1.00
1.40
1.60
1.80
2.00
2.20
2.40
2.80
3.20

1.47
2.06
2.36
2.65
2.95
3.24
3.54
4.13
4.72

1.50
2.10
2.40
2.70
3.00
3.30
3.60
4.20
5.00

2.06
2.89
3.30
3.71
4.13
4.54
4.95
5.78
6.50

1.25
1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50
2.75
3.00
3.50
4.00

1.56
2.19
2.50
2.81
3.13
3.44
3.75
4.38
5.00

(All Dimensions in Inch

Figure B-9. Anchor Joining Link - Kenter Type

-M(min) N(min) N(max) P(min) P(max)

1.50
2.10
2.40
2.70
3.00
3.30
3.60
4.20
4.80

1.50
2.19
2.50
2.81
3.13
3.44
3.75
4.38
5.00

1.75
2.45
2.80
3.15
3.50
3.85
4.20
4.90
5.60

2.12
2.98
3.40
3.83
4.25
4.68
5.10
5.95
6.80

2.75
3.85
4.40
4.95
5.50
6.05
6.60
7.70
8.80

TYPICAL JOINING SHACKLE DIMENSIONS

(All Dimensions in Inches)

G
(min)

G
(max)

H
(min)

H
(max)

I
(min)

I
(min)

J
(min)

J
(max)

1 1/4

1.58

1.67

4.14

4.36

4.88

5.13

1.95

2.05

3.50

1 3/4

2.22

2.33

5.80

6.10

6.83

7.18

2.73

2.87

4.90

2.54

2.67

6.63

6.97

7.80

8.20

3.12

3.28

5.60

2 1/4

2.85

3.00

7.46

7.84

8.78

9.23

3.51

3.69

6.30

2 1/2

3.17

3.33

8.29

8.71

9.75

10.25

3.90

4.10

7.00

2 3/4

3.49

3.66

9.12

9.58

10.73

11.28

4.29

4.51

7.70

3.80

4.00

9.95

10.46

11.70

12.30

4.68

4.92

8.40

3 1/2

4.44

4.66

11.60

12.20

13.65

14.35

5.46

5.74

9.80

5.07

5.33

13.26

13.94

15.60

16.40

6.24

6.56

11.20

Nominal
Diameter

ALL JOINING SHACKLES MUST FIT THE END LINK

Figure B-10. Joining Shackle

B-19

K
approx.

B-20

TYPICAL SINKER SHACKLE

(All Dimensions in Inches)

Dimension
Equation

.5d

8d

.59d

1114

6.25

10

1 3/4

8.75

1.3d

.73

1.25

1.63

14

1.03

1.75

2.28

10.0

16

1.18

2.0

2.6

2 1/4

11.25

18

1.32

2.25

2.93

2 1/2

12.5

20

1.47

2.5

3.25

2 3/4

13.75

22

1.62

2.75

3.58

15

24

1.77

3.0

3.9

3 1/2

17.5

28

3.5

4.55

20.0

32

2.36

4.0

5.2

ALL SINKER SHACKLES MUST FIT OVER THE COMMON STUD LINK

Figure B-12. Sinker Shackle

B-21

(All Dimensions in Inches)

E

(max)

(min)

(max)

(min)

(min)

(max)

7.69 1.63 1.25

1.28

4.44

4.56

1.20

1.05

1.25

1 3/4

10.50 10.76 2.28 1.75

1.79

6.21

6.39

1.50

1.41

1.50

12.00 12.30 2.60 2.00

2.05

7.10 7.30

1.65

1.59

1.77

2 1/4

13.50 13.84 2.93 2.25

2.31

7.99 8.21

1.18

1.59

2.09

2 1/2

15.00 15.38 3.25 2.50

2.56

8.88

9.13

1.95

1.64

2.23

2 3/4

16.50 16.91 3.58 2.75

2.82 9.76 10.04

2.10

1.00

2.40

18.00 18.45 3.90 3.00

3.08 10.65 10.95

2.25

1.94

2.62

3 1/2

21.00 21.53 4.55 3.50

3.59 12.43 12.78

2.40

2.38

3.12

24.00 24.60 5.20 4.00

4.10, 14.20 14.60

2.70

2.58

3.58

Nominal
A
A
Diameter (min) (max)
1 1/4

7.50

C
B

(min)

Figure B-13. Common Stud Link Chain

B-22

ENLARGED LINK
(All Dimensions in Inches)
Nominal
Diameter

A (min)

A (max)

C (min)

C (max)

E (min)

E(max)

Dimension
Equation

6.6d

6.75d

1.43d

1.1d

1.1ld+T

3.91d

4.01d

1 1/4

8.25

8.44

1.78

1.37

1.41

4.89

5.01

1314

11.55

11.81

2.50

1.93

2.0

6.84

7.02

13.2

13.5

2.86

2.20

2.26

7.82

8.02

2 1/4

14.85

15.2

3.20

2.47

2.56

8.8

9.02

2 1/2

16.5

16.88

3.58

2.75

2.84

9.78

10.03

2314

18.15

18.56

3.90

3.03

3.12

10.75

11.03

19.8

20.25

4.30

3.30

3.39

11.73

12.03

3 1/2

23.1

23.63

5,0

3.85

3,94

13.69

14.04

26.4

27.0

5.72

4.40

4.5

15.64

16.04

Figure B-14. Enlarged Link

B-23

END LINK
(All Dimensions in Inches)
Nominal
Diameter

A (min)

A (max)

C (min)

C (max)

D (min)

D (max)

1 1/4

8.44

8.63

1.50

1.53

4.94

5.06

1 3/4

11.81

12.08

2.10

2.16

6.91

7.09

13.50

13.80

2.40

2.49

7.90

8010

2 1/4

15.19

15.53

2.70

2.79

8.89

9.11

2 1/2

16.88

17.25

3.00

3.1

9.88

10.13

2 3/4

18.56

18.98

3.30

3.4

10.86

11.14

20.25

20.70

3.60

3.69

11.85

12.15

3 1/2

23.65

24.15

4.20

4.29

13.83

14.18

27.0

27.60

4.80

4.89

15.80

16.20

Figure B-15. End Link

B-24

(All Dimensions in Inches)

Nominal
Chain Size A (min) A (max) B (min) B (max) C (max) C (mIn) D (max) D (min)
1 1/4
1 3/4
2
2 1/4
2 1/2
2 3/4
3
3 1/2
4

1.28
1.84
2.20
2.33
2.58
2.83
3.06
3.82
4.19

1.34
1.91
2.30
2.42
2.67
2.92
3.19
3.94
4.31

10.76
10.70
15.29
15.35
18.43
18.33
19.35
19.45
21.40 21.50
23.44
23.54
25.39
25.27
31.72
31.60
34.78
34.66

Figure B-16. Pear Link

B-25

5.55
7.94
9.51
10.04
11.11
12.17
13.22
16.41
18.00

5.61
8.00
9.61
10.14
11.21
12.27
13.34
16.53
18.12

.95
1.38
1.64
1.73
1.92
2.11
2.28
2.85
3.13

1.01
1.44
1.74
1.83
2.02
2.21
2.40
2.97
3.25

TYPICAL SWIVEL
(All Dimensions in Inches)
A

Nominal
Chain Size

(min)

(max)

(min)

1 1/4
1 3/4
2
2 1/4
2 1/2
2 3/4
3 1/2

12.19
17.06
21.03
21.94
25.91
26.81
34.13

12.81
17.94
22.11
23.06
27.23
28.19
35.88

5.72
8.01
10.31
10.31
12.60
12.60
16.04

Nominal
Chain Size
1 1/4
1 3/4
2
2 1/4
2 1/2
2 3/4
3 1/2

(max)

(min)

(max)

(min)

(max)

6.02
8.43
10.83
10.83
13.24
13.24
16.86

4.39
6.14
7.02
7.90
8.78
9.65
12.29

4.61
6.46
7.38
8.30
9.23
10.15
12.92

1.46
2.05
2.63
2.63
3.22
3.22
4.10

1.54
2.15
2.77
2.77
3.38
3.38
4.31

(min) (max)
1.22
1.71
1.95
2.19
2.44
2.68
3.41

1.28
1.79
2.05
2.31
2.56
2.82
3.59

F
F
G
G
H
H
J
J
K
K
(min) (max) (min) (max) (min) (max) (min) (max) (min) (max)
4.63
4.87
6.82
6.48
8.76
8.34
8.34
8.76
10.19 10.71
10.19 10.71
12.97 13.63

NOTE:

2.29
3.25
4.15
4.15
5.07
5.07
6.50

2.41
3.41
4.37
4.37
5.33
5.33
6.84

2.17
3.07
3.94
3.94
4.81
4.81
6.14

2.29
3.23
4.14
4.14
5.05
5.05
6.46

2.29
3.25
3.71
4.15
4.63
5.07
6.50

2.41
3.41
3.91
4.37
4.87
5.33
6.84

SWIVELS SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH TWO COMMON LINKS OF THE

SPECIFIED NOMINAL CHAIN SIZE, ATTACHED AS SHOWN.

Figure B-17. Swivel

B-26

1.95
2.73
3.12
3.51
3.90
4.29
5.46

2.05
2.87
3.28
3.69
4.10
4.51
5.74

TYPICAL CHAIN SWIVEL SHACKLE

(All Dimensions in Inches)
A
Nominal
B
C
A
B
C
E
E
F
F
Diameter (min) (max) (min) (max) (min) (max) (min) (max) (min) (max)
1 1/4 15.81
1 3/4 20.91
2
25.36
2 1/4 27.44
2 1/2 31.89
2 3/4 34.09
3
38.74
3 1/2 45.90
4
52.11

16.63 6.90
21.99 9.07
26.66 11.21
28.84 12.29
33.53 13.74
35.83 15.04
40.72 16.43
48.26 19.34
54.79 21.96

7.26
9.53
11.79
12.92
14.44
15.82
17.27
20.34
23.08

4.99
6.83
7.99
8.76
9.83
10.74
12.05
13.82
15.74

5.25
7.18
8.39
9.20
10.32
11.30
12.67
14.52
16.54

1.61
2.22
2.57
2,84
3.23
3.49
3.76
4.45
5.06

1.69
2.34
2.71
2.98
3.39
3.67
3.96
4.67
5.32

K
H
H
P
K
P
G
Nominal
G
Diameter (min) (max) (min) (max) (min) (max) (min) (max)
1 1/4
1 3/4
2
2 1/4
2 1/2
2 3/4
3
3 1/2
4

2.30
2.99
3.69
4.03
4.56
4.95
6.03
6.30
7.22

2.42
3.15
3.87
4.23
4.80
5.21
6.33
6.62
7.59

1.76
2.38
2.76
3.07
3.45
3.76
4.07
4.84
5.53

1.86
2.50
2.90
3.23
3.63
3.96
4.27
5.08
5,81

4.99
6.83
7.99
8.76
9.83
10.74
12.05
13.82
15.74

5.25
7.18
8.39
9.20
10.33
11.30
12.67
14.52
16.54

,9.87
12.90
15.81
16.97
20.04
21.22
23.96
29.63
33.39

Figure B-18. Typical Chain Swivel Shackle

B-27

10.37
13.56
16.63
17.84
21.06
22.31
25.18
31.15
35.11

2.04
2.80
3.29
3.61
4.07
4.42
4.99
5.53
6.44

2.14
2.94
3.45
3.79
4.27
4.64
5.25
5.81
6.78

TYPICAL RISER SWIVEL SHACKLE

(All Dimensions in Inches)

Nominal
Chain Size
1 1/4
1 3/4
2
2 1/4
2 1/2
2 3/4

NOTE :

A
(min)
1.61
2.22
2.57
2.84
3.23
3.23

A
(max)
1.69
2.34
2.71
2.98
3.39
3.39

B
C
(min) (min)
5.62
3.19
3.19
5.62
5.62
3.19
3.19
5.62
5.62
3.19
5.62
3.19

C
(max)
3.50
3.50
3.50
3.50
3.50
3.50

G
(max)
5.25
5.25
5.25
5.25
5.25
5.25

THE TOP END OF A RISER SWIVEL SHACKLE IS REQUIRED TO FIT A SHACKLE EYE
PLATE OF A FLEET MOORING BUOY. THE BOTTOM END OF THE RISER SWIVEL
SHACKLE WILL BE THE SAME SIZE AS THE CHAIN SWIVEL SHACKLE AND WILL BE
REQUIRED TO FIT A COMMON LINK OF THE SPECIFIED NOMINAL CHAIN SIZE, BUT
THE COMMON LINK SHALL NOT BE PROVIDED WITH THE RISER SWIVEL SHACKLE.
RISER SWIVEL SHACKLES SHALL MEET ALL CHEMICAL, MECHANICAL, PHYSICAL AND
TESTING REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED FOR THE SWIVEL OF THE SAME NOMINAL CHAIN
SIZE.

Figure B-19. Typical Riser Swivel Shackle

B-28

TYPICAL GROUND RING

(All Dimensions in Inches)

Nominal
Chain Size
1 1/4
1 3/4
2
2 1/4
2 1/2
2 3/4
3
3 1/2
4

NOTE:

A (min)
1.20
1.84
2.02
2.33
2.58
2.83
3.06
3.81
4.18

A (max)
1.34
1.91
2.30
2.42
2.67
2.92
3.19
3.94
4.31

B (min)
4.34
6.21
7.02
7.86
8.69
9.53
10.34
12.84
14.09

B (max)
4.40
6.21
7.13
7.96
8.79
9.62
10.47
12.96
14.21

GROUND RINGS SHALL FIT THE LARGE END OF AN ANCHOR

JOINING LINK OF THE SAME NOMINAL CHAIN SIZE AS THE
GROUND RING.

Figure B-20. Ground Ring

B-29

(All Dimensions in Inches)

Figure B-21. Spider Plate

B-30

Figure B-22. Chain Equalizer and lts Use

B-31

Figure B-23. Typical Mooring Anchors

B-32

Figure B-24. NCEL Propellant-Embed merit Anchor

B-33

Figure B-25. Penetration and Keying of a Propellant-Embedment Anchor

B-34

Figure B-26. PEA Being Prepared for Installation

B-35

APPENDIX C
GLOSSARY

C-1

GLOSSARY

Accessories

Links, shackles, rings, swivels, and other hardware

used to connect lengths of chain to each other or to
another mooring component.

Anchor Chain Subassembly

The portion of the chain assembly which connects

the anchor(s) to the ground ring (in a riser-type
buoy system) or to the buoy (in a non-riser-type
buoy system).

Anode

An electrode from which electrons flow; the source

of current for cathodic protection systems.

ARDM

Auxiliary Repair Drydock, Medium. Floating

Drydock for repair of medium sized vessels.

Benchmark

A permanently fixed point of known location used

for reference during surveys and positioning.

Bolster

Rounded metal surfaces that prevent chafing.

Camel

A float used as a fender between two ships or

between a ship and a pier.

Catenary

The curved portion of chain suspended in the water

column which provides a spring or elastic effect in a
mooring system.

Cathodic Protection

An electrical method of preventing metal corrosion

in an electrolyte by placing an electrical charge on
exposed submerged metal.

Center Marker Buoy

A small buoy used during installations to

temporarily mark the location at which the
mooring buoy is to be installed.

C-2

Chafing Strips

Curved lengths of rubber or wood secured to the

top deck of a buoy to protect the coating from
impact and abrasion.

Clump

A steel or concrete weight attached to anchor chain

subassemblies to dampen the effects of a sudden
strain on the mooring.

Component (of a mooring)

Any separate part or piece of hardware which is a

pat-t of the mooring system.

Continuity Cable

A wire rope which is used to provide an electrical

path between an anode and the metal which it
protects.

Corrosion

The deterioration of a metal or alloy by an

electrochemical reaction with its environment.

Dragging

The pulling of a mooring from its installed location,

but not involving disconnection, break, or
structural failure in any of its components (see
Failure).

Dunnage

Material used in blocking and securing mooring

components.

Electrical Potential

A quantity in an electrical field measured (in volts)

with reference to some known level of potential
such as a silver-silver chloride reference half-cell.

Electrolyte

A nonmetallic medium such as seawater, which is

capable of conducting electricity by movement of
ions rather than electrons.

Failure (of a mooring)

The loss of a moorings ability to hold a load caused

by a break, disconnection, structural failure, or

C-3

other flaw in one or more of the mooring

components (see Dragging).
Fenders

Curved lengths of rubber or wood secured to the

side plates of a buoy hull to protect the buoy from
impact and abrasion.

Fit Check

Temporary physical assembly of a moorings

components to ensure that the components will fit
together as called for in the mooring design.

Fittings

See Accessories.

Fix

The determination of the geographic position of an

object in the water by means of angles, bearings,
distances, etc.

Fixed Moorings

A mooring which consists of platforms, cells,

islands, dolphins, or similar structural systems
permanently fixed in a position to which a ship is
secured.

Fleet Mooring Inventory

(FMI)
Fluke

All mooring assemblies, subassemblies, and

components in use in the water or stored ashore.
The broad arms or palms of an anchor which
provide the load-holding capability when buried.

Fluke Angle

The measured angle between the flukes and the

shank of an anchor.

Foul

To entangle, obstruct, or jam. Not clear for

running.

Fouling

An accumulation of deposits and marine growth on

materials and structures immersed in seawater for
extended periods of time.

C-4

Galvanic Corrosion

An accelerated form of corrosion which occurs in an

electrolyte (such as seawater) when dissimilar
metals are in contact with each other.

Ground Leg

See Anchor Chain Subassembly.

Grip Area

The area of contact between chain links and/or

accessories when a chain assembly is in tension.

Hawsepipe

A steel pipe or tube which runs vertically through

the center of a buoy and through which the riser
chain passes.

In-Service Mooring

An operational mooring installed at an assigned

location.

Jewelry

The shackles (or anchor joining links) attached to

the top and bottom of the buoy, as well as any
other components attached to or in place of the
top shackle (rings, pear links, etc.).

Mediterranean Mooring

A mooring in which a ships bow is moored to buoys

or comparable systems and its stern is tied up to the
pier.

Mil Thickness

The dry film thickness of a paint or other coating;

each mil equals one one-thousandth of an inch.

Mooring Class

An alphabetic designation used to indicate the

holding capacity of a mooring; see Table 1-1 and
DM 26.6.

Mooring Platforms

An isolated platform consisting of concrete or

timber decks supported on pilings.

C-5

New Installation
(of a mooring)

The placement of a mooring at a new location

usually involving the assignment of a new mooring
number.

Out-of-Service

An installed mooring which is unoperational

(because of damage or deterioration, etc.) or a
mooring or mooring components which are
temporarily stored ashore.

Overhaul

The complete recovery, r e f u r b i s h m e n t , a n d

reinstallation of an existing mooring.

Pelican Hook

A hinged hook fitted with a sliding or hinged link

held closed by a ring which is used to provide
instantaneous release of chain, anchors, wire rope,
etc.

Pendant

A length of line or wire rope fitted with an eye or

block atone or both ends.

Pickup Buoy

A small buoy used to facilitate retrieval of sunken

objects (see Retriever Buoy).

Pitting Corrosion

A highly localized and self-accelerating form of

corrosion that generally occurs on the surface of
metals immersed in seawater.

Range

To lay out a length of chain in a straight line.

Range Buoys

Small buoys temporarily installed along a line of

bearing to assist in movement and orientation of a
crane barge during mooring installations.

Recovery (of a mooring)

The complete retrieval of all mooring components.

Refurbishment

The cleaning, inspection, repair, and

reconditioning of mooring components ashore.

C-6

Repair (of a mooring)

The correction or remedy of a defective condition

while a mooring is in service.

Retriever Buoy

A relatively small buoy attached by a wire rope to

an anchor or an anchor chain subassembly. This
buoy marks the position of the mooring material to
which it is attached and precludes a search for this
material during recovery operations.

Ring Marker Buoy

Used to denote the position at which a mooring

anchor is to be installed. It also marks the direction
of an anchor chain subassembly from the desired
position of the mooring buoy.

Riser Subassembly

Vertical chain extending from a ground ring

upward to a mooring buoy; includes the ground
ring and attached joining links.

Rust Bleeding

A rust-colored discoloration of surrounding coating

caused by localized corrosion of exposed metal.

Sacrificial Anode

A metallic anode (usually zinc) which supplies

electrons for cathodic protection of another metal,
thereby consuming or sacrificing itself.

Shot

A 15-fathom (90-foot) length of chain.

Sinker

See Clump.

Splash Zone

The region immediately above the high tide level;

the splashing action of waves keeps this area
continually wetted by highly oxygenated seawater;
materials suffer accelerated rates of corrosion in
this zone.

C-7

Spud Mooring

A mooring which is used to secure a floating dock

to a pier or series of mooring platforms. The spuds
are usually H shaped steel sections fastened
vertically to the side of the pier at two or more
locations.

Stake Piles

Steel or wood piling anchors driven vertically into a

firm bottom.

Stud

The center cross bar in steel chain link.

Taut

The condition of a chain, line, wire rope, or

mooring when under sufficient tension to cause it
to assume a straight line.

Tension Bar

A heavy steel load carrying member which runs

vertically through the center of a buoy and to
which the riser chain is attached at the bottom and
mooring lines are attached at the top.

Toggle Bar

Bar or pin fitted into an eye or ring; used to permit

a quick release.

Tripping Palms

Projections from an anchor that trips the flukes at

an angle for embedding.

Upgraded Mooring

A mooring which consists of FM 3 fleet mooring

chain, a cathodic protection system, high capacity
anchors, and a urethane-coated foam filled buoy.

Watch Circle

The area swept by a vessel as it revolves about a

mooring point.

Wear Zone

The portion of the chain assembly near the bottom

which experiences the highest rate of wear due to
abrasion of seafloor material.

C-8

Weather Vane

A vessel free swinging around a mooring buoy to

assume an orientation which presents the least
resistance to the combined effect of wind and
current.

Wire Diameter

The diameter of the bar stock from which chain and

accessories are manufactured; also, the nominal
size of chain and accessories as measured across the
smallest diameter of the load bearing structure.

C-9

APPENDIX D
KENTER JOINING LINK ASSEMBLY

D-1

KENTER JOINING LINK

Kenter Joining Link. The Kenter-type joining link is of alloy steel and constructed in
three parts, one of which is the stud. The two main parts and stud have matching
numbers and arrow on the stud which is lined up with an arrow on the main part for
ease of assembly (See Figure D-l). The two main parts are attached to the ends of
the chain in the vertical position and then fitted together, the stud slides in place
and locks the whole link. The stud is secured by hammering a tapered pin into the
hole drilled diagonally through all three parts of the joining link. This hole is
tapered, and when the pin is driven home, a small conical recess, called the
Dovetail Chamber is left clear above its head. A lead pellet is hammered broad
end first into this chamber so as to fill it completely and thereby keep the pin in
place. During the final stage of hammering the lead pellet into the Dovetail
Chamber, precaution must be taken to prevent flat, small pieces of lead from flying
off the joining link into the face or eyes. The assembly procedure is depicted on the
last two pages of this appendix.
Prior to assembly, the internal mating surfaces of a Kenter joining link should
be coated with a molybdenum disulphide grease (MIL-G-23549) or an equivalent
lithium based grease. When assembling and before inserting a lead pellet, any
remaining lead in the Dovetail Chamber must be reamed out with a reamer tool
Failure to do this could result in the new lead pellet working out. After assembly
the link is painted with anchor chain paint, MI L-P-24380 (NSN 8010-00-145-0332 an
NSN 8010-00-145-0341 for 1 and 5 gallon cans respectively).

D-2

When disassembling a Kenter joining link, the locking pin is driven out with a
drift. To part the link, a top swage must always be used between the hammer
and link. The swage is shaped to the curvature of the link so that machined surfaces
are not damaged (See Figure D-2).

Figure D-1. A Kenter Joining Link

Figure D-2. A Top Swage and Reamer

D-3

KENTER JOINING LINK

ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE

1
The half Kenter link is reeved in the chain link.
(Only one of the chain links is shown).

2
The link halves are inserted one in the
other and driven together.

3
The center chock is inserted.

D-4

4
Just for a trial the taper pin is inserted
in the center chock. When the center
chock is in correct position the taper
pin can without a hammer be inserted
as shown on the figure which also
shows the center chock in correct
position.

5
The taper pin is driven in and is secured
by the lead pellet which is inserted into
place with a hammer.

6
Assembled Kenter joining link.

D-5

APPENDIX E
ANCHOR PULL TEST REQUIREMENTS

E-1

APPENDIX E
ANCHOR PULL TEST REQUIREMENTS

1.0

GENERAL. This appendix establishes the procedures for setting and pull

testing of anchor legs. Tables of predicted anchor system drag distance are included
to assist in initial anchor positioning.
1.2

SETTING DRAG ANCHORS. Proof setting of each anchor leg should be

accomplished using harbor tugs, Fleet tugs or by pulling diametrically opposite

anchor legs against each other. When setting the anchor, it is desirable to have a 10
to 1 scope (see Figure E-1 for definition) in the mooring line. This may be
accomplished by adding chain or a work wire. The anchor drag distance to achieve
the specified load level must be known to enable proper anchor placement prior to
proof loading. Setting shall be accomplished by pulling to the design load of the
mooring.

Scope is the ratio of length of rode (L) to depth of water (D), plus allowance for heigth of bow above water. At (1)
length of rode equals the depth. At (2) rode length is twice the depth, at (4) four times the depth. Note how the angle between rode and bottom decreases. At (B) the scope is 8:1 and the short length of chain at the anchor lies flat on the bottom.

Figure E-1. Mooring Leg Scope

1.2.1 DRAG DISTANCE

Single Anchors. The predicted anchor drag distance for single anchors
can be obtained from Table E-1.

E-2

Tandem Anchor Systems. The predicted anchor drag distance for tandem
anchor systems can be obtained from Table E-2.

1.2.2 LOAD MEASUREMENT. While setting the anchor, it is desirable to monitor the
loads. A currently calibrated dynamometer should be placed in line to measure the
load.
1.2.3 FINAL ANCHOR POSITION. It is expected that the desired holding capacity can
be achieved during setting and that the anchor will be within the 40 long by 20
wide allowable anchor area (see Figure E-2). If after setting, the desired load is not
obtained, or if the anchor drags outside the tolerance box, then the anchor must be
repositioned and the pull test repeated.
1.3 PULL TESTING. After the anchor is set, the pull test should be conducted. It is
important that a length of chain equal to the total length of riser and ground leg be
used for the test. Use of shorter chain lengths will create an uplift force on the
anchor.
1.3.1 LOADING PROCEDURE. Each anchor leg should be pull tested independently.
The vessel performing the pull should gradually build up to the proof test load.
Increase the load in 10,000 pound increments up to the required proof test load.
After each 10,000 pound increase allow the dynamometer reading to stabilize.
Once the required pull test load is reached, allow the dynamometer reading to
stabilize, then hold the pull test load for 3 minutes.
1.3.2.1

Anchor Leg Adequate. If the desired load is obtained and the anchor is
positioned within the tolerance box, the anchor leg is adequate.

1.3.2.2

Anchor Leg Inadequate. If either the pull test load is not achieved or the
anchor is out of position, the anchor must be repositioned and the pull
test repeated.

E-3

E-4

1.3.2.3

Pull test not achieved. If the pull test load cannot be achieved, the
anchor system design may not be correct. Several options exist for
increasing the anchors capacity:

Changing the anchor fluke angle. Usually the fluke is fixed fully
open for muds and partially open (approximately 35) for sands.

Soaking.

When deploying anchors in silt or clay (muds) it is

desirable to allow the anchors to soak. Soaking of an anchor is

the practice of allowing a newly embedded anchor to rest for a
period of time, typically 24 hours, before applying the required
proof load.

Jetting. If a drag anchor does not bury to a sufficient depth to

develop the required capacity, it maybe possible to use divers to jet

the anchor to the required depth. The anchor should be jetted to a
depth equal to or greater than the length of the anchor fluke.
1.3.2.4

Anchor out of position. If the anchor is not within the tolerance box,
reposition the anchor accordingly, reset and repeat the pull test. *

Note: Ensure that the anchor is not recovered and reset in the furrow or
disturbed bottom area caused by the initial pull test.

E-5

PREDICTED SINGLE ANCHOR DRAG DISTANCES

TABLE E-1
Anchor:
450

Stockless Anchor with Stabilizers and Flukes Fixed at approximately

Seafloor Type: Mud

Horizontal Design Load (Kips)

25. 50. 75. 100. 125. 150. 175. 200. 225. 250. 275. 300.
Anchor
Weight
(Kips)
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29
30.

*
54. *
*
*
32.
*
*
21.
*
13. *
*
*
9.
*
6 183.
6. 99. *
6. 64. *
5. 47. *
5. 40. *
5. 33. *
4. 27. *
4. 22. 154.
4. 17. 95.
3. 14. 77.
3. 12. 64.
2. 10. 53.
8. 48.
2.
2.
8. 42.
1.
8. 37.
1.
8. 33.
1.
7. 29.
7. 25.
1.
7. 21.
1.
0.
7. 19.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
202.
152.
104.
89.
78.
68.
59.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
245.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Drag Distance (Feet )

*Exceeds anchor ultimate holding capacity

E-6

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

PREDICTED SINGLE ANCHOR DRAG DISTANCES

TABLE E-1 (Continued)
Anchor:
360

Stockless Anchor with Stabilizers and Flukes Fixed at approximately

Seafloor Type: Sand

Horizontal Design Load (Kips)

25. 50. 75. 100. 125. 150. 175. 200. 225. 250. 275. 300.
Anchor
Weight
(Kips)
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29
30.

20. *
19. *
18. 37.
17. 33.
17. 29.
17. 28.
17. 27.
17. 26.
17. 26.
17. 25.
17. 24.
17. 24.
17. 23.
17. 23.
18. 23.
18. 23.
18. 22.
18. 22.
18. 22.
18. 22.
18. 22.
17. 22.
17. 23.
17. 23.
17.
23.
17. 23.

*
*
*
*
*
*
46.
43.
39.
37.
35.
34.
33.
32.
32.
31.
31.
30.
30.
29.
29.
28.
28.
28.
28.
27.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
52.
49.
46.
44.
41.
40.
39.
38.
37.
36.
36.
36.
35.
35.
35.

*
*
*
*
*
*.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
57.
54.
52.
50.
48.
46.
45.
43.
43.
42.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
62.
60.
58.
56.
54.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Drag Distance (Feet)

*Exceeds anchor ultimate holding capacity

E-7

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

PREDICTED SINGLE ANCHOR DRAG DISTANCES

TABLE E-1 (Continued)

Anchor:

Stato Anchor with Stabilizers and Flukes Fixed at approximately 50

Seafloor Type: Mud

Horizontal Design Load (Kips)

25.

50. 75.

100.

125.

150.

175.

200.

225.

250.

275.

300.

23.
15.
10.
7.
6.
6.
5.
4.
4.
3.
3.
3.
2.
2.
2.
1.
1.
1.
1.
1.
1.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.

158.
96.
68.
52.
43.
35.
27.
21.
18.
15.
13.
10.
10.
9.
8.
8.
7.
7.
7.
6.
6.
5.
5.
5.
5.
4.

*
236.
127.
93.
72.
57.
50.
43.
36.
29.
24.
21.
18.
16.
14.
12.
11.
10.
10.
9.
9.
8.
8.
8.
7.
7.

*
*
322.
168.
120.
94.
76.
63.
56.
50.
43.
37.
32.
27.
24.
21.
19.
17.
15.
13.
12.
11.
11.
10.
10.
10.

*
*
*
398.
205.
148.
118.
96.
81.
68.
61.
55.
50.
44.
39.
34.
30.
26.
24.
22.
20.
18.
16.
15.
13.
12.

*
*
*
*
*
280.
183.
140.
118.
99.
85.
73.
66.
61.
56.
51.
46.
41.
36.
32.
28.
26.
24.
22.
21.
19.

*
*
*
*
*
*
352.
216.
169.
138.
118.
102.
90.
78.
71.
66.
61.
56.
52.
47.
43.
39.
35.
31.
28.
26.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
418.
266.
200.
158.
138.
120.
106.
94.
83.
75.
70.
66.
61.
57.
53.
49.
44.
41.
37.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
333.
229.
188.
156.
138.
122.
109.
98.
88.
79.
74.
70.
66.
62.
58.
54.
50.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
395.
265.
216.
179.
156.
139.
124.
112.
102.
92.
83.
78.
74.
70.
66.
63.

Anchor
Weight
(Kips)
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

4.
3.
2.
2.
1.
1.
1.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.

64.
45.
34.
25.
18.
14.
11.
9.
8.
7.
7.
6.
6.
5.
5.
5.
4.
4.
4.
3.
3.
3.
2.
2.
2.
2.

Drag Distance (Feet)

*Exceeds anchor ultimate holding capacity

E-8

PREDICTED SINGLE ANCHOR DRAG DISTANCES

TABLE E-1 (Continued)

Anchor:

Stato Anchor with Stabilizers and Flukes Fixed at approximately 30

Seafloor Type: Sand

Horizontal Design Load (Kips)

25.

50.

75.

100.

125.

150.

175. 200.

15.
15.
15.
15.
15.
15.
16.
16.
16 .
17.
17.
17.
17.
18.
18.
18.
18.
19.
19.
19.
19.
19.
20.
20.
20.
20.

21.
20.
20.
20.
20.
21.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
21.
21.
21.
21.
21.
21.
21.
22.
22.

28.
27.
27.
26.
25.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.

39.
36.
32.
30.
30.
30.
29.
28.
28.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.

55.
45.
42.
39.
36.
33.
33.
33.
33.
32.
32.
31.
31.
30.
30.
30.
30.
30.
30.
30.
30.
30.
30.
30.
30.
30.

*
63.
51.
47.
45.
42.
40.
37.
36.
36.
36.
36.
35.
35.
34.
34.
33.
33.
32.
32.
32.
32.
32.
32.
32.
32.

*
*
77.
59.
53.
50.
47.
45.
43.
41.
39.
38.
38.
38.
38.
38.
37.
37.
36.
36.
36.
35.
35.
35.
34.
34.

225.

250.

275.

300.

*
*
*
*
103.
74.
65.
59.
57.
55.
53.
51.
49.
47.
46.
44.
43.
43.
43.
42.
42.
42.
42.
42.
41.
41.

*
*
*
*
*
116.
88.
72.
65.
61.
59.
57.
55.
54.
52.
50.
49.
47.
46.
45.
45.
44.
44.
44.
44.
44.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
101.
79.
72.
65.
63.
61.
59.
58.
56.
55.
53.
52.
50.
49.
47.
46.
46.
46.
46.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
114.
91.
78.
72.
67.
65.
63.
62.
60.
59.
57.
56.
54.
53.
52.
50.
49.
48.

Anchor
Weight
(Kips)
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

*
*
*
91.
67.
58.
55.
52.
50.
48.
46.
44.
42.
41.
41.
40.
40.
40.
40.
40.
40.
39.
39.
38.
38.
37.

Drag Distance (Feet)

*Exceeds anchor ultimate holding capacity

E-9

PREDICTED TANDEM ANCHOR DRAG DISTANCES

TABLE E-2
Tandem Stockless Anchors with Stabilizers and Flukes Fixed at
Anchor:
approximately 45
Seafloor Type: Mud

Horizontal Design Load (Kips)

25. 50. 75. 100. 125. 150. 175. 200. 225. 250. 275. 300.
Anchor
Weight
(Kips)
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

6.
4.
4.
3.
3.
2.
2.
1.
1.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.

*
54.
32.
21.
13.
9.
6.
6.
6.
5.
5.
5.
4.
4.
4.
3.
3.
2.
2.
2.
1.
1.
1.
1.
0.
0.

*
*
*
*
70.
47.
35.
27.
21.
15.
12.
10.
7.
7.
7.
7.
6.
6.
6.
6.
5.
5.
5.
5.
4.
4.

*
*
*
*
*
*
183.
99.
64.
47.
40.
33.
27.
22.
17.
14.
12.
10.
8.
8.
8.
8.
7.
7.
7.
7.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
200.
128.
79.
63.
50.
44.
38.
33.
28.
23.
19.
17.
15.
13.
11.
10.
9.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
154.
95.
77.
64.
53.
48.
42.
37.
33.
29.
25.
21.
19.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
179.
124.
90.
77.
65.
56.
51.
46.
42.
38.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
202.
152.
104.
89.
78.
68.
59.

Drag Distance (Feet)

*Exceeds anchor system ultimate holding capacity

E-10

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
224.
177.
132.
101.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
245.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

PREDICTED TANDEM ANCHOR DRAG DISTANCES

TABLE E-2 (Continued)
Anchor:
Tandem Stockless Anchors with Stabilizers and Flukes Fixed at
approximately 36
Seafloor Type: Sand

Horizontal Design Load (Kips)

25. 50.

75.

100.

13.
13.
13.
13.
13.
13.
13.
13.
13.
13.
13.
13.
13.
13.
13.
13.
13.
13.
13.
14.
14.
14.
14.
14.
14.
14.

32.
27.
25.
24.
23.
22.
21.
21.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
21.
21.
21.

*
*
37.
33.
29.
28.
27.
26.
26.
25.
24.
24.
23.
23.
23.
23.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
23.
23.
23.
23.

125. 150. 175.

200.

225.

250.

275.

300.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
52.
49.
46.
44.
41.
40.
39.
38.
37.
36.
36.
36.
35.
35.
35.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
57.
54.
52.
50.
48.
46.
45.
43.
43.
42.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
58.
56.
54.
52.
50.
49.
47.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
62.
60.
58.
56.
54.

Anchor
Weight
(Kips)
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

20.
19.
18.
17.
17.
17.
17.
17.
17.
17.
17.
17.
17.
17.
18.
18.
18.
18.
18.
18.
18.
17.
17.
17.
17.
17.

*
*
*
*
42.
38.
34.
32.
31.
30.
29.
29.
28.
28.
27.
27.
26.
26.
26.
25.
25.
25.
25.
25.
25.
25.

*
*
*
*
*
*
46.
43.
39.
37.
35.
34.
33.
32.
32.
31.
31.
30.
30.
29.
29.
28.
28.
28.
28.
27.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
47.
44.
41.
39.
37.
36.
35.
35.
34.
34.
33.
33.
32.
32.
32.
31.
31.

Drag Distance (Feet)

*Exceeds anchor system ultimate holding capacity

E-11

*
*
*
*
*
*
53.
50.
48.
46.
44.
42.
41.
40.
40.
39.
38.
38.

PREDICTED TANDEM ANCHOR DRAG DISTANCES

TABLE E-2 (Continued)
Tandem Stato Anchors with Stabilizers and Flukes Fixed at
Anchor:
approximately 50
Seafloor Type: Mud

Horizontal Design Load (Kips)

25. 50.

75.

4.
3.
2.
2.
1.
1.
1.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.

10.
6.
5.
5.
4.
3.
3.
2.
2.
1.
1.
1.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.

100. 125. 150.

175.

200.

225. 250.

275.

300.

99.
66.
48.
39.
30.
22.
18.
15.
12.
10.
9.
8.
8.
7.
7.
6.
6.
5.
5.
5.
4.
4.
4.
4.
3.
3.

158.
96.
68.
52.
43.
35.
27.
21.
18.
15.
13.
10.
10.
9.
8.
8.
7.
7.
7.
6.
6.
5.
5.
5.
5.
4.

324.
140.
94.
70.
55.
46.
39.
32.
25.
21.
18.
16.
13.
11.
10.
10.
9.
9.
8.
8.
7.
7.
7.
6.
6.
6.

*
236.
127.
93.
72.
57.
50.
43.
36.
29.
24.
21.
18.
16.
14.
12.
11.
10.
10.
9.
9.
8.
8.
8.
7.
7.

*
*
182.
122.
93.
74.
60.
53.
46.
40.
34.
28.
24.
21.
19.
17.
15.
13.
11.
11.
10.
10.
9.
9.
9.
8.

*
*
322.
168.
120.
94.
76.
63.
56.
50.
43.
37.
32.
27.
24.
21.
19.
17.
15.
13.
12.
11.
11.
10.
10.
10.

Anchor
Weight
(Kips)
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

0:
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.

23.
15.
10.
7.
6.
6.
5.
4.
4.
3.
3.
3.
2.
2.
2.
1.
1.
1.
1.
1.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.

41.
29.
19.
14.
11.
8.
7.
7.
6.
5.
5.
4.
4.
4.
3.
3.
3.
2.
2.
2.
1.
1.
1.
1.
1.
1.

64.
45.
34.
25.
18.
14.
11.
9.
8.
7.
7.
6.
6.
5.
5.
5.
4.
4.
4.
3.
3.
3.
2.
2.
2.
2.

Drag Distance (Feet)

*Exceeds anchor system ultimate holding capacity

E-12

PREDICTED TANDEM ANCHOR DRAG DISTANCES

TABLE E-2 (Continued)
Tandem Stato Anchor with Stabilizers and Flukes Fixed at
Anchor:
approximately 30
Seafloor Type: Sand

Horizontal Design Load (Kips)

25. 50. 75.

100.

125.

150.

175.

200.

225.

250.

275.

300.

21.
20.
20.
20.
20.
21.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
21.
21.
21.
21.
21.
21.
21.
22.
22.

25.
24.
23.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
23.
23.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
23.
23.

28.
27.
27.
26.
25.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.
24.

34.
30.
29.
28.
28.
27.
26.
26.
26.
26.
26.
26.
26.
26.
26.
26.
26.
26.
26.
26.
26.
26.
26.
26.
26.
26.

39.
36.
32.
30.
30.
30.
29.
28.
28.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.
27.

45.
41:
37.
34.
32.
32.
32.
31.
30.
30.
29.
29.
28.
28.
28.
29.
29.
29.
29.
29.
29.
29.
29.
29.
29.
29.

55.
45.
42.
39.
36.
33.
33.
33.
33.
32.
32.
31.
31.
30.
30.
30.
30.
30.
30.
30.
30.
30.
30.
30.
30.
30.

78.
52.
46.
43.
40.
38.
35.
35.
35.
34.
34.
34.
33.
32.
32.
32.
31.
31.
31.
31.
31.
31.
31.
31.
31.
31.

*
63.
51.
47.
45.
42.
40.
37.
36.
36.
36.
36.
35.
35.
34.
34.
33.
33.
32.
32.
32.
32.
32.
32.
32.
32.

Anchor
Weight
(Kips)
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

12.
13.
13.
13.
14.
14.
15.
15.
15.
16.
16.
16.
16.
17.
17.
17.
17.
18.
18.
18.
18.
19.
19.
19.
19.
19.

15.
15.
15.
15.
15.
15.
16.
16.
16.
17.
17.
17.
17.
18.
18.
18.
18.
19.
19.
19.
19.
19.
20.
20.
20.
20.

18.
18.
18.
18.
18.
18.
18.
18.
18.
18.
18.
18.
18.
19.
19.
19.
19.
19.
20.
20.
20.
20.
20.
21.
21.
21.

Drag Distance (Feet)

*Exceeds anchor system ultimate holding capacity

E-13