Lineboats, provide line handling services for ships entering and leaving port. Some pier configurations are designed to hold spring and doubled storm lines while moored. Dolphins are set up for breast, head and stern lines. In years passed, tugs have handled these lines to the dolphins. Due extensive wear and potential weakening of these structures, an alternative method is used. Small craft with skilled crews handle the mooring lines to lesson the impact on the dolphins. 24 hours a day, Bell's crew is standing by.
"Riding the dolphin", puts a man in place to take the lines off the bollard when the slack, lashed to the lineboat, is run to him.
Here's a quick loading video from YouTube of a castoff on the St Johns River. It's only a couple of minutes, but it is a good illustration of how the process is carried out. Captain J.P. Gaither (USN Ret) is at the helm with Chris (USN Ret Fly Boy) running the lines on the bow and Sean (Scallywag) Riding the Dolphin.
Click Here for VIDEO