Wind sensors showing incorrect readings
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 January 2003
- Generated on 24 January 2026
- IMCA SF 01/03
- 1 minute read
A Member reports a problem that occurred with two wind sensors on a vessel.
What happened?
One evening the starboard wind sensor (aft) was indicating an incorrect value. A few minutes later the port wind sensor (forward) was showing the same symptoms. The DP desk was giving a warning: Wind difference Speed of 1 and 2.
The weather at the time was freezing (-4°C) and there was a dense fog (visibility <100m) with a lot of icy patches on the quayside and roads (glazed frost).
The following morning a check was made of the wind sensors in both masts. The sensors were found to be covered in ice. After removal of the ice the indicators were back to true values.
Touching the sensors by hand indicated that there was no heating present. The sensors appeared not to have built-in heaters (which are optional).
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.