Emergency communications system incident

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 1 April 2000
  • Generated on 13 June 2026
  • IMCA SF 02/00
  • 1 minute read

An incident occurred onboard a Member’s vessel where, as a result of flooding of the external battery pack for the through water communications, electronics in the communications unit were damaged.

What happened?

 This caused smoke to enter the bell. As a result the divers had to use their BIBS and masks.

The manufacturer, on investigation of the incident, has found that the pressure relief screw had been incorrectly fitted after the pack had been charged.

All customers have been made aware of the problem and provided with relevant information to modify the supplied unit. To avoid a reoccurrence of the incident the manufacturer has modified its manufacturing procedures and updated its manuals, as well as supplying a field service bulletin.

Latest Safety Flashes:

Arm injury – need for focus on safe isolation and task control

A worker sustained an arm injury while troubleshooting a malfunctioning garbage compactor.

Read more
Floodlamp causes scaffold board to start smouldering

Workers on the accommodation deck noticed light smoke emanating from a nearby scaffold structure.

Read more
Lamp fixture fire in office cabin

A fire broke out in a ceiling lamp fitting in a cabin on a vessel.

Read more
BSEE: Prevent fires by inspecting cords, plugs and welding leads before use

The United States Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has published Safety Alert 515.

Read more
More positive stories

Some more stories of good things happening – what went right.

Read more

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.