Positive: damage to Fast Rescue Craft davit wire rope caught before failure
- Safety Flash
- Published on 13 February 2026
- Generated on 30 March 2026
- IMCA SF 03/26
- 1 minute read
What happened?
During routine checks, it was observed that the FRC davit wire rope had a visible fracture at the socket termination area. This condition posed a serious risk, as operating the FRC launching system with a damaged wire rope could result in the rope parting, causing the FRC to fall into the water and potentially leading to serious injury or damage.
Additionally, considering that this equipment is classified as a life-saving appliance, the defect was identified as a critical safety concern requiring immediate attention.
The rope was carefully inspected and appropriately repaired by the authorised service provider.
Prevention is better than cure
- Ensure that life-saving equipment is thoroughly checked, not only during planned monthly maintenance but also before every use, with a focus on wire rope condition, socket areas, and load-bearing components.
- Reinforce awareness among crew regarding the importance of pre-use safety checks on FRC launching appliances.
- Highlight this and similar incidents during toolbox talks and safety meetings to prevent similar oversights.
- If you see something wrong or abnormal – don’t ignore it, report it, and if appropriate, do something about it.
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.