Near-miss: Potential fall from height during launch of rescue craft

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 3 March 2015
  • Generated on 18 September 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

safety chains installed

different vessel in fleet without 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.

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