What does it mean when a vessel is "moored"?

When a vessel is described as "moored," it refers to the method by which it is secured in place, typically involving the use of lines to fasten it to a fixed structure, such as a pier or dock. However, mooring can also encompass other methods of securing a vessel, including being fastened to a buoy or even anchored at sea.

Mooring to a buoy generally means that the vessel is attached to a marked buoy that is fixed in a specific location to prevent it from drifting. Additionally, when a vessel is anchored at sea, it could be considered a form of mooring because it involves securing the vessel to prevent movement, although it is not tied to a fixed land structure.

Given that each of these scenarios involves securing the vessel to prevent it from drifting—whether at the dock, tied to a buoy, or anchored at sea—the correct answer reflects the comprehensive nature of mooring as it encompasses all these methods. Understanding mooring is critical for safe vessel operations, ensuring that ships remain in designated locations while not underway.