Chains for Controlled Movement vs. Ballast Weight
One strategy to provide an adequate potential mooring line length but provide some limitation on the
buoy’s free movement is to use a heavy bottom chain as a part of the mooring system. The idea of the
heavy bottom chain is that it can be lifted up from the seafloor as the buoy is pushed away from its
centerline during rough conditions, yet provide enough resistance to dampen this effect.
However, the total buoyancy of the buoy must be carefully considered at this stage, as the chain cannot
be too heavy such that it contributes to submersion of the buoy if it becomes fully drawn up from the
seafloor. A method for slightly reducing the chain weight while simultaneously preventing it from
becoming caught on objects on the seafloor is to install trawl floats at the terminus of the chain, at the
location where the primary mooring line is connected. The buoyancy provided by these floats can help to
maintain a segment of the chain in suspension as illustrated below.
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Summary of Contents for CB-450
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