Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the the-events-calendar domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the broken-link-checker domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the woocommerce-eu-vat-number domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114
Automatic control - navigation problem - DEV imca
Skip to content

Automatic control – navigation problem

We have recently had reported to us this near-miss concerning an ROV support vessel and an unmanned installation. The vessel was operating under automatic control with the platform selected in the outboard navigation computer as the target destination.

On approaching the 500m zone, the on-shift Chief Officer commenced operations to position the vessel outside the 500m zone for field arrival trials.

However, as a result of his omission to deselect automatic control, the vessel failed to respond as he had expected and continued into the platform 500m zone at a speed of between three and six knots.

The Vessel Master, who was also on the bridge, realised that the automatic control had not been deselected. He changed to manual mode and stopped the vessel short of the platform.

The vessel is reported to have come within 10-60m of the structure.

Following the incident, the vessel departed the 500m zone and satisfactorily completed standard field arrival trials prior to starting DP operations.

The company involved has noted that the incident, which occurred on the UKCS, occurred as a result of the failure to comply with UKOOA’s “Guidelines for the Safe Operation of Offshore Support Vessels”, Section 3 “Way Points”, compounded by operator error. A number of corrective actions have been taken by the company to prevent recurrence of this situation.

Safety Event

Published: 1 November 1999
Download: IMCA SF 06/99

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 safetyreports@imca-int.com 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.