According to the general Tail Design Breaking Force (TDBF) rule in MEG4, a mooring tail’s breaking strength should be 125% to 130% of the Ship Design MBL (SDMBL) to ensure it acts as the system’s sacrificial link.
Accordingly, MEG4 guidelines require that Nylon Tails should be tested wet to account for their 10% strength loss, whereas Mixed Tails maintain almost their full strength. This 10% loss occurs because Nylon is hydrophilic; water molecules penetrate the fiber’s molecular chains and act as a “plasticizer,” reducing internal friction and weakening the bond.
Always make sure that your certificate specifies the Wet TDBF for Nylon to ensure your safety margins are accurate.