Skip to content

Unknown floating objects in 500m safety zone

What happened?

Several floating objects were identified in the 500m safety zone of an installation.  Our members’ vessel was requested to remove/tow these objects out of the safety zone to protect the installation.  While doing so, the propeller of a fast rescue craft was damaged.

What went wrong?

  • Unknown floating objects in the water creating a potential hazard for damage to vessels and small boats at work or offer a potential hazard to the installation.

What actions were taken?

  • The potential risks associated with unidentified objects at sea, whether floating or on the seabed, should be properly and thoroughly assessed, particularly when retrieval, towing and handling, or other intervention, is indicated. This risk assessment should include whether or not such objects are hazardous by nature and to what extent they could harm crew or assets;
  • Any potentially hazardous objects should be reported to relevant emergency response services to be dealt with. Relevant agreements should be in place and well known by crew members and to be followed;
  • Vessel crew and small boat/workboat crew should be vigilant and monitor any floating objects in water.

Members may wish to refer to: 

Safety Event

Published: 17 December 2019
Download: IMCA SF 30/19

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 [email protected] 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.