Lifeboat winch failure
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 January 2000
- Generated on 12 December 2024
- IMCA SF 01/00
- 2 minute read
A report of the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) into the failure of a lifeboat winch on a cruise ship has concluded that the winch failed because the lubricating oil used for the freewheel sprag couplings was too viscous and did not match the type of oil specified by the manufacturer.
What happened?
The incident occurred during a routine lifeboat drill. As one of the ship’s lifeboats was being recovered after the exercise, it lowered uncontrollably into the water, still attached to the fall wires. The ship’s electrical engineer sustained injury when, as a result of the incident, the winch hand crank handle, that had been left attached to the winch drive, hit him on the head when the winch started.
On investigation, the MAIB discovered that the inside surface of the outer face of the freewheel clutch had severe wear and scuffing with signs of overheating. The freewheel coupling and oil had been changed on the winch about four months before the incident.
The manufacturer reported that the davit winch failed because the oil used was too viscous, preventing the coupling locking mechanism from operating. Slipping of the coupling caused the oil to overheat. Lubricating properties would then be lost, causing a damage to running surfaces.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is 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.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.