A 540-foot training and reserve vessel permanently berthed at the California State University Maritime Academy pier in Vallejo, California. The vessel, originally constructed for sealift operations and later converted for maritime training use, maintains active inspection and classification status and must meet modern safety and regulatory standards.

The project required a comprehensive evaluation of the vessel’s existing mooring configuration and the development of an updated Heavy Weather Mooring Plan capable of safely securing the vessel during severe wind and storm conditions. PCCI conducted an on-site shipcheck to document current mooring hardware, line arrangements, raised chock configurations, and pier interface geometry.

Engineering analyses were performed in accordance with Unified Facilities Criteria 4-159-03 Design: Moorings, the current standard governing mooring design and storm load calculations. Wind loading, environmental forces, and line tension capacities were evaluated to verify that the vessel’s configuration met required safety factors and securing capacity during extreme weather events.

The scope included:

• Review of existing mooring lines, fittings, and deck hardware
• Assessment of elevated chock arrangements for load distribution and capacity
• Calculation of environmental loads and required line tensions
• Development of a detailed heavy weather mooring plan and analytical report
• Preparation of updated engineering drawings in both AutoCAD and PDF formats
• Coordination of drawing review and approval with classification and regulatory authorities

Deliverables included a complete design package suitable for submission to the American Bureau of Shipping and the United States Coast Guard Marine Safety Center, following review by the Maritime Administration surveyor. All drawings were structured to integrate with the vessel’s existing numbering system and included comprehensive material listings and specifications.

This effort required close coordination among the vessel operator, maritime academy facilities personnel, regulatory reviewers, and engineering stakeholders to ensure technical accuracy and regulatory compliance while minimizing disruption to ongoing training operations.

The result was a fully updated, analysis-driven heavy weather mooring plan that enhances vessel security, improves storm preparedness, and supports long-term berth safety at a fixed pier facility.