Dear all,
I have a question which I have been wondering. Accordingly, to MEG4, breaking load of mooring tail are determined after it is soaked for approximately 22 to 26 hrs. For a used tail, do we have to soak it prior to determination of residual strength?
Best regards Alex
The soaking is required because Polyamide (Nylon) loses 10 - 15 % of its strength when wet (According to Mooring Equipment Guidelines, Section 6.3.1.2). Ropes and tails usually get wet during mooring operations, therefore, the residual strength should be determined under similar conditions.
Additionally, in Section 6.5.1 Polyamide tails required to have a 37% higher MBL to compensate the loss of strength when wet (compare the requirement of 25% higher MBL for synthetic tails).
In the case of new tails, it would be best if it were possible to test them both dry and wet. The dry test would allow you to determine how they compare to their original strength when new, and the wet test would give an accurate view of their actual in use strength. If only one test is possible, I would suggest a wet test be performed, as it will give a real world strength to use when compared against the mooring wire, to ensure the tail is 25% stronger than the wire.
