Manoeuvring Tutorial: Medi Moor

Summary

This video explains the Mediterranean or 'Medimore' maneuver, which involves docking a vessel stern-first into tight spaces. It covers the essential steps, including assessing the environment, managing wind and tide, and executing precise movement with the anchor. The technique emphasizes the importance of preparing for potential issues, such as misjudging conditions or getting tangled with other vessels' anchors. The video also highlights key considerations like transverse thrust and having a backup plan to avoid mistakes. The Medimore maneuver, though challenging, can be performed successfully with practice and attention to detail, offering a valuable skill for mariners.

Takeaways

• 😀 Assess the area before performing the Medimore maneuver, including the berth, anchor drop, and weather conditions.
• 😀 Line up your approach along an imaginary line from your berth through the anchor drop position to guide your movement.
• 😀 Be aware of wind and current, as they will significantly affect your vessel's movement during the maneuver.
• 😀 If misaligned, don’t hesitate to adjust your approach before reaching the anchor drop point.
• 😀 Release the weather anchor into the wind's direction as you move stern and continue to let the chain pay out.
• 😀 As you approach the berth, gradually take up weight on the anchor to help steer the bow and reduce sternway.
• 😀 Send the weather lines first from the correct side of the vessel to stabilize the stern in the wind.
• 😀 Perform a slight engine kick ahead near the berth to remove the last of the sternway before tightening the stern lines.
• 😀 Once in position, check that all lines are tight and the anchor cable is properly secured.
• 😀 The Medimore maneuver is easier to execute when departing as you are already facing outward into open water.
• 😀 Always have a backup plan in case of misjudgment, especially in tight spaces or challenging conditions.

Q & A

What is the Mediterranean or Medimore maneuver?

The Mediterranean or Medimore maneuver is a technique used to dock a vessel stern-first in tight spaces, such as marinas or busy ports, where vessels are close together and space is limited.

Why might vessels be required to dock stern to the quay in the Mediterranean maneuver?

Vessels might need to dock stern to the quay due to limited space in crowded areas or because they are using a cargo vessel with only a stern ramp for access.

What is the first step when performing a Medimore maneuver?

The first step is to scope out the area, including identifying your birthing position, anchor drop location, or any buoy pickup location, and assessing environmental factors like wind and current.

How do you align the vessel for the Medimore maneuver?

You align the vessel by running an imaginary line from your birth position to the anchor drop, then positioning the vessel along this line while moving stern-first toward the berth.

What should you do when you reach the anchor drop position during the maneuver?

At the anchor drop position, you should drop the weather anchor (in the direction of the wind), let the cable pay out smoothly, and continue moving stern-first towards the berth.

Why is it important to manage the anchor cable properly during the maneuver?

Proper anchor cable management is crucial to ensure the vessel stays aligned and to prevent unnecessary stress on the anchor while adjusting the vessel's position and keeping the bow pointed in the right direction.

What role do the stern lines play when docking in the Medimore maneuver?

The stern lines help pull the vessel into position, with the weather line holding the stern into the wind and the final adjustments being made with the stern lines to guide the vessel into the berth.

What should you do once the vessel is docked in the Medimore maneuver?

Once docked, check the anchor cable and lines to ensure they are tight, and the vessel is securely in place.

What makes the Medimore maneuver advantageous when leaving the berth?

The Medimore maneuver allows for an easy departure since the vessel is already facing out into safe water. The stern lines are eased, and the anchor cable naturally pulls the vessel out of the berth.

What are some challenges to consider when performing the Medimore maneuver?

Challenges include minimal tidal flow, the impact of wind and weather, transverse thrust from the vessel's propulsion system, and ensuring that the vessel's anchor doesn't get tangled with others' anchors in crowded areas.

Why is it important to have a backup plan during the Medimore maneuver?

A backup plan is important because it allows you to adjust if conditions such as wind or tide change unexpectedly. If you misjudge these factors, having a plan enables you to recover the anchor and reposition the vessel without complications.