MSF: Unsecured bulk hose near miss
- Safety Flash
- Published on 17 March 2026
- Generated on 15 June 2026
- IMCA SF 05/26
- 2 minute read
The Marine Safety Forum (MSF) published Safety Alert 25-17, relating to an incident in which a stored bulk hose moved in an unplanned way and almost struck a crew member.
What happened?
During hose transfer operations on a platform supply vessel in challenging weather, a hose was left unsecured on deck. The hose subsequently slipped off the deck, nearly striking a crew member. The operation was promptly aborted by the Captain, and a debrief was held to discuss the incident.
What went wrong?
The vessel owner noted the following “key contributing factors”
- Miscommunication between deck crew and crane operator.
- Defective radio communication.
- Insufficient hose length on deck.
- Heavy weather conditions.
Lessons to learn
- Communications: Ensure all operations begin only after clear communications are confirmed between all parties.
- Ensure radio communications equipment remains in good order through regular inspection and maintenance.
- Ensure that the right equipment – in this case, the sufficient length of hose - is available and properly secured before starting operations, especially in adverse weather.
- Take particular care in heavy weather conditions:
- Should we be doing this at all right now?
- Can the task be done in a different way or can it be done later?
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 21/15
7 December 2015
-
IMCA SF 01/12
25 January 2012
-
IMCA SF 21/20
13 July 2020
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