MCA has published Safety Flash 3/26

Click here to download the IMCA Safety Flash 3/26.

Fall from height during mooring due to rope tension reaction

During mooring operations of a tanker, a worker ashore was securing the after-spring line on a Quick Release Mooring Hook (QRMH) located on a dolphin platform on the jetty. While performing the task, some rope slack remained near the propeller. The rope became entangled with the propellor, creating over-tension as it was already secured to the QRMH. The dolphin platform bent towards the vessel’s aft under the propeller’s force until the line parted. It then snapped back in the opposite direction, causing the operator to lose balance and fall onto the lower platform about 1.8 meters below. Although fall protection was in place, the operator was kneeling and slipped through the gap. Fortunately, the incident resulted only in minor scratches and no serious injury.

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Positive: damage to Fast Rescue Craft davit wire rope caught before failure

During routine checks, it was observed that the FRC davit wire rope had a visible fracture at the socket termination area. This condition posed a serious risk, as operating the FRC launching system with a damaged wire rope could result in the rope parting, causing the FRC to fall into the water and potentially leading to serious injury or damage.

Additionally, considering that this equipment is classified as a life-saving appliance, the defect was identified as a critical safety concern requiring immediate attention.

The rope was carefully inspected and appropriately repaired by the authorised service provider.

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Small engine room fire – flammable object ignited

During post–drydock sea trials, engine room crew were conducting firefighting equipment and main engine performance tests by gradually increasing engine load. While ramping up the starboard main engine, a small flammable foreign object ignited. The engine room team responded immediately, activating the emergency stop, engaging quick-closing valves to isolate the fuel supply, and extinguishing the fire with portable extinguishers.

There were no injuries, though the incident resulted in repairs and delays to the dry-dock schedule. Investigation confirmed that the ignition source was a small flammable foreign object located on the port main engine.

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Missing protection – progressive wear on hydraulic hoses causes damage

This contact causes friction and progressive hose wear during vessel movement and equipment operation. Visible abrasion marks and missing insulation indicated inadequate hose routing and weak inspection controls. If not rectified, continued wear may have led to hose rupture, hydraulic-oil or fuel leaks, and a significantly elevated fire and machinery-failure risk.

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BSEE: Miscommunication and trapped pressure causes injury during valve maintenance

The incident occurred while a worker was performing maintenance on an control valve on a gas line. Residual pressure estimated at 128 psi inside the line was released during disassembly and replacement of the valve’s trim and seat. The sudden release caused the valve’s bonnet flange, weighing approximately 25kg, to be forcefully ejected. The flange struck the worker in the chest and abdomen, knocking the worker backward onto the elevated scaffold platform. The worker was evacuated. Injuries included bruising and abrasions to the left abdomen wall and chest, a laceration behind the left ear, and abrasions to the left knee.

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