What distinguishes mooring stations from special sea details?

The distinguishing characteristic of special sea details as opposed to mooring stations lies in the requirement for crew involvement and line management during operations. Special sea details are set up during navigation, and it is common for these situations to not require every crew member to be physically present or manning lines. This allows for a more flexible crew allocation when the vessel is at sea, focusing on essential duties without needing to man lines or stations extensively.

In contrast, mooring stations typically require a certain number of crew members to be present and actively engaged in managing the lines. This ensures the ship can be secured properly and that safety protocols are followed during mooring operations. The absence of crew at certain stations can compromise safety and efficiency while tying up in a port or harbor.

The details surrounding the management of lines, including the practice of faking or stowing them correctly, come into play in both scenarios, but the essence of them being either manned or unmanned is what sets the two modes operationally apart.