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
Two incidents relating to life-rafts/life boats - DEV imca
Skip to content

Two incidents relating to life-rafts/life boats

Incident 1: Life-Raft Inadvertently Deployed

During monthly inspection of the life-raft, the port side life-raft was accidentally released into the water and activated.  The incident was reported to the bridge, vessel made a MOB manoeuvre and crew were mustered.  FRC was lowered to retrieve the life-raft, which was recovered without incident.

What went wrong?

The second mate was doing the monthly inspection of the life-raft.  He inspected how to release the life-raft and checked if it was lashed properly.  In doing so he accidentally opened up the clip that launched the life-raft into the water, and because the painter line was still connected, the life-raft was activated.

The second mate was inexperienced with this type of release system and on his first job on this kind of vessel, made his first contract on this type vessel.

What actions were taken?  What lessons were learnt?

  • Place an extra seal on the locking clip to prevent accidental opening when walking past or during inspection and make clear that this part must not be opened unless in an emergency. NB: such a seal must still be easy to break during emergencies;
  • Improve familiarising and training of crew;
  • Encourage crew to ask for advice from someone who is more familiar with vessel systems.

Incident 2: Lifeboat Davit Failed During Test Deployment

A vessel was at anchor in a quiet bay and the suggestion was made to take out both lifeboats for tests.  Whilst the port side boat was being lowered, with crew inside, a hydraulic part failed, and the forward davit arm fell down to the horizontal.  The chief mate (operating the levers) continued to deploy the lifeboat to water, calling down not to release the hooks yet.  Crew inside the lifeboat noticed something was wrong because during lowering, the lifeboat tipped bow down by approx. 0.5m.  There were no injuries.

The lifeboat was recovered using the forward crane and stored on deck as a quick repair was not possible.

What went wrong?

Investigation revealed that there was a damaged/worn thread and broken bearing in the davit hydraulic equipment.

What actions were taken?

  • Cleaned articulated bearing, found thread inside worn and rusted, bearing cracked and a piece broke off. All other similar articulated bearings checked to see if they also needed to be replaced.;
  • Temporary fix arranged to ensure that the davit arm cannot move further than normal lowering position.

Members may wish to refer to:

Safety Event

Published: 5 July 2019
Download: IMCA SF 16/19

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.