MCA has published Safety Flash 2/26

Click here to download the IMCA Safety Flash 2/26.

Some positive findings and good practices

During an audit visit to a PSV, the 500m Safety Zone entry checklist was found fully completed with detailed checks and verification comments. The document pack was accurately filed and maintained to the highest standard, demonstrating strong operational discipline.

Bridge personnel should always follow safety zone procedures when entering the 500m Safety Zone. No vessel may operate in close proximity to offshore installations without completing the required checklists, obtaining proper authorization, and maintaining continuous situational awareness.

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Mechanic got burns due to fire in portable generator

A marine mechanic went to the workshop container to refuel a portable generator intended for bilge cleaning tasks, as there was no electrical supply available at the dock. During the refuelling, petrol (gasoline) spilled around the generator, which was in poor condition and lacked rubber bushings. When the mechanic dragged the generator across the asphalt to clean the spill, friction produced a spark that ignited the fuel. Attempting to move the petrol (gasoline)  can and close the door, he sustained minor burns on his right arm. Nearby workers promptly extinguished the fire and provided first aid.

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Petrol driven equipment left stored in an emergency generator room

During a routine “safety round” on a vessel, a snowblower was found stored inside the emergency generator room. At first, the crew saw no issue with this setup. But a closer look revealed the following:

• The snowblower still contained flammable fuel (petrol/gasoline).
• Pilot ladders were stored right next to it.
• All of this was inside a machinery space full of ignition sources.

This created an unnecessary fire and explosion risk, as well as blocking access around critical equipment. The snowblower was moved.

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Umbilical support frame made contact with passing vehicle on public road

A third party contractor had collected two umbilical support frames (USFs) from a vessel and was transporting them on a public road. Whilst travelling, the right side of one of the frames dropped down and made contact with a passing vehicle.

Details as to what happened to the other vehicle are not known but IMCA infers that it suffered only minor damage and no persons were injured.

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Dropped GRP cover during subsea lifting

A vessel was lifting and relocating a Pipe Line End Manifold (PLEM) GRP Top Cover when the load became detached and dropped approx. 7m, landing on the side of the PLEM bottom GRP structure. The fibreglass lifting points failed on the GRP cover, but there was no damage to the PLEM or bottom GRP structure, nor any injuries to personnel.

The Top Cover has two different types of lifting points. One set is designed for deployment and consists of pairs of profiled, reinforced holes where round slings are routed. The other set is designed for subsea relocation and consists of bars designed for easy connection to ROV hooks.

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