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
Near miss: Water bottles reused for fuel storage - DEV imca
Skip to content

Near miss: Water bottles reused for fuel storage

What happened

During a vessel inspection, plastic water bottles were discovered being reused to store diesel on board a fast rescue craft (FRC). There was no proper labelling or means of substance identification. The bottles were emptied subsequently and discarded accordingly. A safety stand down was held with the crew.

What went wrong/causes

  • Inappropriate management and handling of flammable liquid – water bottles used not for their intended purpose, but for storage of diesel fuel without any proper labelling;
  • The storage of fuel oil or other chemical substances in drinking water containers was a ‘usual’ practice for the crew due to alleged unavailability of special containers on board;
  • Lack of safety awareness: the potential risks of fire or spill, and the possible consequences to the crew members, environment and to the vessel, were not identified, nor properly assessed.

Lessons learnt/Actions taken

  • All flammable and combustible liquids should be stored in a designated storage area in special containers with sufficient ventilation means in line with SDS indicated storage requirements;
  • Water bottles should not be reused. There have been and are incidents in the industry of accidental consumption of fuel, thinners and other substances, due to water bottles being reused for other substances;
  • Vessel management should identify requirements for appropriate and suitable containers for chemical storage, observing regulatory and operational requirements, and arrange delivery as necessary;
  • Full crew discussion and review of risks associated with inadequate handling/storage of flammable and hazardous substances.

Members may wish to refer to the following similar incidents:

Safety Event

Published: 15 November 2017
Download: IMCA SF 29/17

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 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.