MCA has published Safety Flash 20/25

Click here to download the IMCA Safety Flash 20/25.

Hull crack arising from vibration

It was initially suggested that the vessel had been damaged hitting a floating object, and that following assessment, that the damage was minimal permitting continued operations.

However, a few weeks later a crack in the vessel skeg was discovered as water was leaking into the steering room. Crew installed a cement box to stop the leaking. Shore-based management required the vessel to stop operations for repairs.

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Smoke in the battery room

Smoke was observed   in the battery room of a vessel alongside. The fire detection alarm went off on the bridge. A visual check at the scene confirmed visible smoke. The general fire alarm was promptly raised, initiating an organized muster and emergency response.

The event was brought under control by the onboard firefighting teams. Ventilation to the area was controlled and the relevant electrical circuits were isolated. The source of the smoke was identified as a set of overheated Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries used for one of the UPS’s (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) for the vessel’s DP system. All damaged batteries were manually disconnected, removed and submerged in galvanized containers filled with water for cooling and containment.

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ATSB: Undocumented modification contributed to steam burns

An engineering team was conducting maintenance on the main deck steam valve for the heating system of an oil tanker. After the system was isolated, the team removed the valve bonnet, and residual hot condensate was suddenly released, resulting in burn injuries to three crew members. After receiving first aid on board, the crew members were transported to shore for medical treatment.

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Watertight door and emergency hatch found open at sea

These critical safety barriers prevent water ingress and provide escape routes, and their improper closure compromises vessel integrity, increases flooding risk, and endangers crew safety.

SOLAS Chapter II-1, Part B-4, Regulation 22: All watertight doors shall be kept closed during navigation, except under conditions specified in the same regulation, and shall be closed immediately after use.

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Bunker hose obstructing emergency exit

The heavy hose lay over the corner of the hatch cover. It proved impossible to lift the hatch with the hose laid against it, and it would certainly have been impossible to open the hatch in an emergency situation. This created a very serious safety hazard by potentially delaying or blocking emergency egress.

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