Essential Characteristics of Marine Dock Fenders
There is a lot of technology that is involved in marine activities. You need ships or boats that will help you carry out various activities in the ocean or lake. Activities carried out on water bodies include fishing, ferrying people from one marine port to another, voyages like cruising, among others. When carrying out marine activities, you have to make sure that everything is in place. Any small mistake can sink your ship or boat and injure or result in water killings. One of the things you have to make sure is working properly is the marine dock fender.
What is a marine dock fender and what does it do? A fender is required in the absorption of kinetic energy found on a boat or a vessel that is berthing against another vessel, a quay wall, or a jetty. A marine dock fender is required on all types of offenders be it a cruise ship, a cargo ship, a yacht, or a ferry. The fenders are necessary to prevent any damages to the berthing systems or the marine vessel when it is approaching a port. The fenders act like buffers so that they slow down marine vessels to avoid destruction. Fenders can be mobile or fixed. Mobile fenders are common on support vessels, yachts, and crafts. The mobile fenders are usually placed between the vessel and the dock as the vessel is approaching the dock. Fixed or permanent marine dock fenders are placed in docks, canal entrances, and the bases of bridges to avoid any damage done by an approaching vessel.
Marine fenders have various characteristics that make them effective in kinetic energy absorption of the vessel and the berthing structure at the port. They are made from materials of very high energy absorbing characteristics. They also have a very low reaction force. The best materials for the manufacture of a marine dock fender so that it works perfectly are rubber, plastic, or foam elastomer. Most marine dock fenders made from rubber are molded or extruded. You can also find marine dock fenders that are woven from ropes to form a certain pattern. Fenders made from ropes were common in old ages and they are also in use today. Worn out tires that are no longer useful on vehicles can also be used as marine dock fenders.
There are a number of factors you need to consider when choosing a particular type of marine dock fender. You should look at the displacement of the marine vessel you are using and its physical measurements. Different dimensions demand varying types of marine dock fenders. You should also look at the maximum stand-off that is allowed. The berthing structure also plays a big role when you are selecting a marine dock fender for your vessel. The variations in tides on the water should also be considered when selecting a particular type of marine dock fender. The size of the fender selected is also affected by several factors. You have to look at the berthing energy of your marine vessel. It is also crucial that you consider the square of the berthing velocity when you are choosing a particular size of marine dock fender.