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The vessel was fitted with state-of-the-art plasma moor- ing lines with a breaking strength higher than that of the winch brake. I had never seen anything like these lines before ? pliable and splice-able, yet hard as a rock when under tension. But I knew enough to understand they required a split drum, with the tension line split off to the working side. The delivery crew, however, didn?t know this, not being very familiar with these types of lines. Our brand new mooring lines could have been ruined before the vessel even finished its first voyage if our crew had merely followed the old crew?s procedures for mooring the vessel. That would have been a very expensive mistake. Care should also be taken to meet all regulatory require- ments for the myriad of placarding requirements. This includes signage about oil (Discharge of Oil Prohibited), addressing Marpol requirements (no plastic overboard and limits on what garbage can be tossed over the side and where), correct labeling of the Marine Sanitation Device and countless others. All of these are required by the Code of Federal Regulations and you would also be surprised by how many of these can be overlooked in the new delivery process. A new vessel can also mean a new area of opera- tion which, of course, comes with a huge list of items tobe checked. The term ?management of change? comes to mind in the effort to ensure no area is overlooked. As such, a new vessel is great for document control as you have a fresh start: new vessel, new procedures, new forms, new documents and (hopefully) no sins of the father. Be sure to take advantage of this fresh start by maintaining good document control as you sail into the future. Captain Katharine Sweeney is CEO of Compliance Maritime, provider of independent internal auditing of security, safety, quality and environmental management systems for vessel operators. Captain Sweeney is an experienced Master Mariner, safety expert and federally licensed pilot with over 25 years in the Maritime Industry. Contact her at [email protected] SAFETY & AUDITS18MNJanuary 2012 MN#1 (18-31):MN 2011 Layouts 1/5/2012 1:57 PM Page 18