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
Non-fatal man overboard incident - DEV imca
Skip to content

Non-fatal man overboard incident

What happened?

A member of the vessel crew fell into the sea during personnel transfer using a Crew Tender Vessel (CTV).  The incident occurred when the vessel was stood by at anchor.  The vessel was using the azimuth thruster to create lee for the CTV coming alongside.  A pilot ladder was used, rigged port side aft, around 1.5m above the waterline.

Two personnel transfers took place safely, in which fifteen persons boarded the vessel.

During the third transfer, there was a vessel black-out and the azimuth thruster stopped working.  The decision was taken to continue the transfer operation, and 8 persons safely embarked the vessel.  However, as the ninth person stepped over from the CTV to pilot ladder, the CTV rolled to port, away from the pilot ladder.  This created an imbalance for the person stepping over and he fell into the sea.  He was rescued unharmed.

What went wrong?

  • Uncontrolled and unexpected movement of the CTV;
  • Vessel could not give lee owing to azimuth thruster being unavailable;
  • The power demands of the azimuth thruster exceeded the vessel power available, causing a power outage.

What were the causes?

  • Stop Work Policy was not used;
  • Personnel transfer operations were continued when they should have been stopped – weather and sea conditions were under-estimated;
  • Human error – the blackout occurred because there was insufficient power available; the person in control of the azimuth thruster allowed the thruster load to increase too fast, causing the blackout.

What lessons were learned?

  • Better management of vessel electrical systems – having more generators online – could have averted this incident;
  • Decision making in marginal conditions: the decision to have the transfer at all in marginal sea conditions, and the decision to continue the transfer once the vessel was unable to provide lee, were contributory factors.

What action was taken?  

  • Company action to install/purchase boat landing platform instead of pilot ladder.

Members may wish to refer to:

Safety Event

Published: 4 June 2019
Download: /home/storm/sites/dev-imca-int-com-1/public/wp-content/themes/imca-website-2020/single-safety-events.php on line 55
">

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.