Stop work authority enforced – unsafe conditions, no appropriate lifting gear available
- Safety Flash
- Published on 5 January 2021
- Generated on 14 February 2026
- IMCA SF 02/21
- 2 minute read
A vessel received instructions to pick up an aviation fuel tank at an auxiliary platform.
What happened?
The Master tried to tie up to the platform but was not successful because the landing was too small, having been designed for a crew boat as opposed to an AHTS vessel. In addition, it was noted that the vessel did not have the appropriate lifting gear to handle such a heavy lift. The Master determined that the operation was unsafe and called it off, having informed all relevant stakeholders accordingly.
Findings
Often vessel Masters are required to juggle client expectations. Here the Master has done the “due diligence” through active engagement and then determining whether or not the operation warrants the use of stop work authority. Doing this sends a clear example to the crew that they can do the same if necessary.
The Master did his utmost to meet client expectations. However, he exercised stop work authority after having determined the unfeasibility of the operation based on his situational awareness. The Master actively updated all concerned parties throughout the process in order to ensure that all relevant stakeholders were kept informed.
Recommendations
- It is in everyone’s interest to ensure that client expectations are met, so far as is reasonably practicable. However, the safe operation of the vessel and the safety of the crew should always take precedent.
- All crew, from Master downward, should understand that they can enact stop work authority in the event that operations pose risks which cannot be controlled in a manner as low as reasonably practicable.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 24/20
14 August 2020
-
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.