Winch drum failure: Deep water operations
- Safety Flash
- Published on 6 February 2009
- Generated on 19 December 2025
- IMCA SF 02/09
- 1 minute read
Following an incident which involved the failure of the structure of a winch drum in a new lifting system with a load suspended at over 2,000 metres water depth on a recovery operation, a Member’s investigations have indicated that the loading model used in the design of the winch drum was potentially deficient.
The winch drum was designed according to the relevant classification society specification and was being tested with a load at depth for the first time.
There is an increasing need for lifting operations that involve recovery of loads from depths greater than 1,000 metres. A cross-industry workgroup is being established by IMCA to investigate issues arising from such operations, initially focused specifically on winch drum design.
If you are interested in participating in this workgroup, please contact Mark Ford.
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.