High potential near miss: AB slipped over the side during mooring operations
- Safety Flash
- Published on 23 January 2018
- Generated on 20 June 2025
- IMCA SF 02/18
- 2 minute read
During mooring operations, an Able Seaman (AB) jumped from the vessel to the quayside to receive the mooring ropes.
What happened
In doing so he slipped over the bulwark and fell over the side into the sea from a height of 1.75m. At that time, the gap between the vessel and the quay was 0.5-0.6m.
While falling, he managed to grab the vessel fender with his hands, keeping the upper part of the body out of the water. The vessel Master had a direct line of sight to the incident; he immediately stopped the engines and manoeuvred the stern away from the quayside using the bow thruster. This prevented the AB from being crushed between the vessel and quayside as well as from being drawn into the propeller.
He was helped back onto deck by a colleague and after a check-up it was confirmed that he appeared to be unharmed. Nevertheless, he was sent to a medical facility on the same day for proper examination which verified his fitness for work.
What went wrong? What were the causes?
- Procedures not followed: By jumping from the vessel to the quay, the crewman violated existing written procedures. All other persons present were aware that this practice was forbidden, and were aware of the possible consequences, but no one stopped him.
- Shortcuts: The vessel Master did not ask the Port Authority for assistance due to alleged issues experienced in past, where this assistance was either not provided or was provided with a significant time delays. As a result, a shortcut was taken by the vessel crew, which resulted in the incident.
- Routine acceptance of risk/complacency: It was concluded by the investigation team that the unsafe practice of jumping from the vessel to the quayside had developed over time without being confronted or stopped by management.
Lessons learnt
This was a high potential near miss incident which could have been avoided if assistance was requested by the vessel Master from onshore. This incident could easily have resulted in a fatality, and serves as another reminder that shortcuts and deviations from established procedures and safe working practices are not acceptable.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 02/17
25 January 2017
-
-
IMCA SF 20/15
3 December 2015
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.