Lifeboat drop test
One of our members has recently experienced an incident during a lifeboat drop test carried out on three lifeboats. One of the three lifeboats failed its drop test due to the rear door opening after entering the water.
The lifeboat was loaded to 110% load (achieved with water bags) and included three personnel. The boat was fully submerged underwater during its dive and projection away from the platform. After surfacing it was clear that there had been water ingress to the boat. Fortunately there was no injury to the personnel in the boat. The on-site supplier representative performed adjustments to the door latches in order to increase latch tightness and the boat eventually passed the test after two more drops.
The member has informed us that the supplier was Norsafe AS, Faervik, Norway, who have confirmed to them that they have no previous experience of doors opening during this type of operation. The supplier is currently carrying out an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
Safety Event
Published: 1 August 1999
Download: 
IMCA SF 05/99
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