High potential dropped object – satellite dome fell from mast

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 20 February 2018
  • Generated on 5 July 2025
  • IMCA SF 04/18
  • 1 minute read

During a vessel transit in moderate seas, when the vessel was rolling and pitching, the Sat C dome fell from the main mast on the deck – a fall of approx. 17 meters

Note: this incident happened recently and is still under investigation.

What happened?

This incident could have been much more serious had crew been in the area when the dome fell. Understanding the reasons for, and following, a Clear Deck Policy, made a difference; reducing exposure of personnel on open deck areas during a sea passage in moderate weather conditions.

Sat C dome

What went wrong? What were the causes? – Preliminary

There was severe corrosion inside the Sat C dome, but this was hidden and had not been spotted in previous visual inspections carried out as part of the planned maintenance system (PMS).

Any additional lessons learnt identified will be communicated following the investigation completion.

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