Types of Marine Chock
Chocks serve as essential intermediate mooring units, guiding and supporting ropes from their origin points such as bollards, fairleads, bitts, or winches to their fixity points like tugs, jetties, or piers. They not only facilitate the passage of ropes but also absorb loads during mooring or towing, ensuring the vessel's secure fastening to its destination, whether it be a pier（for mooring）, or another vessel（for towing）. Mooring and towing operations are vital for every vessel, and various mooring apparatus, including chocks, are employed to ensure their safety and efficiency.
Overview
Divided according to shape:
Closed Chock
Closed Chocks are the predominant type, taking the form of a closed hoop or ring through which lines can pass. Panama chocks, unique to vessels navigating the Panama Canal, share this closed design but often have a more elliptical or filleted rectangular shape. With a small aperture, these chocks securely guide mooring lines along a defined path.
Open Chock
Open chocks, characterized by their open-ended design, facilitate effortless insertion and removal of ropes or chains. Their U-shape or V-shape configuration, featuring larger openings, streamlines the process of installing and removing mooring lines. This design enhances versatility in mooring arrangements and accommodates various line angles with ease.
Panama Chock
Panama chocks are uniquely designed closed chocks primarily used by vessels navigating the Panama Canal, hence their name. Characterized by a curved design and larger apertures, these chocks facilitate the smooth passage of mooring lines. They are commonly employed in offshore and heavy-duty mooring operations, particularly suited for vessels with thicker lines and heavier loads.
Divided according to Installation method:
Deck mounted chock
Deck mounted chocks are welded directly to a ship’s main or strength deck via a lower foundation or seat, orienting them vertically. These fixtures are essential for securing ropes or chains on a vessel, serving as sturdy points of attachment for mooring lines. Installed directly onto the deck surface, they ensure stability and security during docking and anchoring operations.
Bulwark Mounted Chock
Bulwark-mounted chock is installed on the bulwark of a vessel, typically used for securing ropes or chains. Affixed directly to the bulwark structure, it serves as a point of attachment for mooring lines, providing stability and security during docking and anchoring operations. These chocks are integrated into the bulwarks at the deck edge level, resembling holes or rings with side reinforcement. They guide the lines, offering intermediate support and directing them to the external attachment point.
