Near-miss: Potential fall from height during launch of rescue craft
- Safety Flash
- Published on 3 March 2015
- Generated on 29 October 2025
- IMCA SF 03/15
- 1 minute read
A Member has reported a potential near miss incident in which there could have been a fall from height during launch of rescue craft.
During annual inspection of the rescue craft on a vessel, it was noticed that to secure and launch the rescue craft a crew member had to go around the rescue boat and stand outboard of it in an exposed place.
There was no barrier in place to prevent a crew member carrying out this task falling from height.
safety chains installed
different vessel in fleet without safety chains installed
Actions
The crew reported this as a near miss and the short term solution will be to wear a safety harness when launching and securing the rescue craft. Arrangements were made to fabricate and fit a chain rail and stanchion to prevent recurrence.
Related safety flashes
-
IMCA SF 15/09
23 October 2009
-
IMCA SF 05/03
1 June 2003
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.