Heads Up on the Pier, US Coast Guard Photo

KITTERY, MAINE - A crewmember aboard the CGC Campbell here launches a heaving line, July 19, in preparation for mooring the 270-foot cutter to the pier. The heaving line toss is a crucial part in a mooring evolution. Attached to the thin, yellow heaving line is a much heavier mooring line often made from double braided nylon. As changing tides and currents routinely act upon the cutter's hull, crewmen on the dock must quickly receive and haul in the heaving line, followed by the thick mooring line which they attach to a cleat or bollard on the pier before the cutter drifts out of range. Furthermore, weather conditions can often be such that the lightweight heaving line can get carried off by the wind. Precious time is lost in this case as several attempts are made to get the heaving line to the pier. As for the crewmember here, shown aboard the Campbell, his heaving line was received and the bow line was quickly made to the dock on the first attempt.