How they do it in Greece

[Bon Accord]

Regardless of weather, the service carries on!

No matter whether you consider this brave or mad, it's very impressive shiphandling.

 

 

Same port, but some time later showing another arrival, this time from the shore.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwJg0as3U3c

 

For those wondering, this is known as a Mediterranean Moor. Basically the ship drops both anchors such that (ideally) they run approx 45 degrees either side of the bow, then runs astern perpendicular to the berth and is made fast with mooring lines. Used in many places where the berth isn't suitable for the size of ship or for Ro-Ro ships where there isn't a decent linkspan. Usually hard work and requiring much forethought, experience and a bit of luck!

[34theletterbetweenB&D]

One of the more interesting aspects of ship operation in minor Mediterranean locations, was the chance to observe 'old time' seamanship. In the days when Swan Hellenic cruises chartered 'Orpheus' (a converted Belfast cattle ferry of all things, originally 'Munster' if memory serves) then owned by Epirotiki Lines, the Greek crew would execute beautiful manoeuvres. Coming alongside a quay or a floating jetty in a confined location using a rope spring was a regular party trick. Seen them do it in a short chop with a near gale force wind in the channel between Delos and Antidelos too, not just fair weather stuff. We all got on shore alright and re-embarked on that occasion, soaked to the skin both times. That's the way to take a holiday.

 

Almost as spectacular; when on a concrete quay of an island home to some of the crew, was the way the young guys rode their mopeds directly out of the engine room side door along a narrow plank to the land...

[Horsetan]

I wonder if the owners of the "Costa Concordia" ever took notes.......?