Some floating production, storage, and offloading units (FPSOs) possess disconnectable systems to avoid harsh environments. According to a literature survey, the practice is based on perceptions and experiences of operators to judge disconnection; however, this paper offers a rational approach. A life-cycle cost model is proposed to optimize (1) the disconnection criteria and (2) the design of mooring lines under reliability format. Relevant ultimate limit states are considered in association with hull, moorings and green water failure. Effects of future failure costs is considered (downtime, environmental damage, reputation, etc.). Disconnection criteria are then formulated in terms of significant wave height and wind speed limits. Because a permanent mooring system may exhibit excessive resistance, it is possible to reduce the lines' thickness until the cost is optimized for non-permanent service. Results for an example in the Gulf of Mexico show that important savings can be achieved by implementing the proposed optimizations.