Uncertified lifting gear found in use
- Safety Flash
- Published on 9 February 2023
- Generated on 24 April 2026
- IMCA SF 04/23
- 2 minute read
A number of shackles and other lifting equipment were observed in use onboard a vessel with no certification or inspection reports available.
What happened?
Some equipment was colour-coded by the crew and deemed as being in good condition; other equipment was not included in the vessel lifting gear register, nor was it colour-coded.
Further investigation revealed that lifting equipment had been left onboard and not removed after the end of the previous project, on which client-supplied lifting equipment was used.
A number of shackles and other lifting equipment were observed in use onboard
What was the cause?
- Company lifting equipment inspection processes were not followed: “Authorised competent person to conduct the lifting gear inspection process on an 6 monthly basis with further issue of inspection report.”
- Client-supplied lifting gear was not removed from vessel, nor quarantined.
- This same equipment was not presented to the vessel lifting gear inspection onboard, conducted by the lifting inspection contractor.
- There was a lack of awareness of both relevant lifting equipment regulations and of local and corporate safety management system standards.
Actions taken
- An overall check of the lifting gear and relevant equipment was initiated and all identified non-compliant equipment was quarantined.
- Onboard discussion arranged for crew to better understand:
- There should be no use of lifting equipment unless it has been thoroughly examined, tested and certified.
- Colour coding of lifting gear or equipment should not be applied by crew without there being a relevant certificate or inspection report available.
- There should be no use of lifting equipment unless it has been thoroughly examined, tested and certified.
- All lifting equipment available on board to be presented during testing and examination provided by competent authorised party.
Members may wish to refer to:
- IMCA HSS019 – Guidelines for lifting operations
Related safety flashes
-
IMCA SF 10/15
16 July 2015
-
IMCA SF 01/15
16 January 2015
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.