Skip to content

Incorrectly weighted Monkey’s Fist

The Marine Safety Forum (MSF) have published Safety Alert 18-22 in which a ‘monkey’s fist’ had been thrown ashore during a mooring process. A quayside boatman reported his concerns on this.

The images show the condition of the ‘monkey’s fist’ when it was thrown ashore, showing an area of protruding concrete. Upon inspection of the monkey’s fist, it was noted that it was heavier than normal. The object was cut open and the and the inside was found to be concrete, together with two layers of rope making up the outer layer. Should the ‘monkey’s fist’ have struck anyone upon thrown overboard, it had the potential to cause serious injury.

What actions were taken?

  • The dangers and potential for injury was discussed with the vessel;
  • A safety memo was created in order to share the learnings from this incident.

The safety alert can be viewed on the MSF’s website.

Safety Event

Published: 30 October 2018
Download: IMCA SF 24/18

Relevant life-saving rules:
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report

IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding [email protected] to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.