THE BITTS & BOLLARDS
The bitts are small posts on ships which are used to secure mooring ropes. They are cylindrical in shape & welded to collar plates (also known as stiffeners) & collar plates are welded to the deck. The bollards are larger in size when compared to bitts. The bollards are found on jetties where ships are moored & found on larger ships. The bollards on jetties are also known as Samson posts.
There are various types of bollards. For example Single Bitt, Double Bitt, T-head, Staghorn, Mushroom and Kidney, as well as simple cleats used for smaller vessels
For the sailors the bitts & bollards are not new things. But the idea of writing this article is to explain the inner structure of the bitts or the bollards which exists in ships. In jetties the mounting arrangement of bollard varies.
For example in construction of the double bitt bollard, two cylindrical structures are welded to a cubic structure. They are interconnected from inside using steel plates. I would like to attach some photos to show the inner structure of the bitts.
after the damaged bitt removed
full view without the damaged bitt
inner plates after the base cylinder's removal
collar plate is visible as well
turned upside down of the half cube
Nowadays the bollards of jetties are being replaced by quick releasing hooks which are operated partly by manual & electrical system.
quick releasing hook
