Raft Up

To secure two or more vessels alongside one another, or the resulting group of vessels.

A raft may form alongside a berth, mooring or anchored vessel when space or circumstances make individual berths impractical. Fenders and breast lines control contact between vessels, while springs and lines to shore or the primary mooring distribute the combined environmental load.

Permission, vessel size and shape, rig and spreader clearance, access, tide, wash, weather and departure order must be considered. Outer vessels should not simply load their own lines onto a weak inner vessel or block emergency escape, and the entire raft may need additional shore lines or anchors.