Corrosion of band securing screw on diver band mask

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 2 April 2001
  • Generated on 2 June 2026
  • IMCA SF 06/01
  • 1 minute read

A Member has recently reported the failure of a band securing screw on a DSI Mrk 18B band mask.

What happened?

During the annual return to base for a full strip-down and service of the diver band mask, the company reported the failure of one of the band securing screws, resulting in the band falling away from the mask. The dive technician was re-assembling the unit and had already inspected both screws and considered them fit for use. While tightening one screw, the head of the screw fell off.

On closer inspection, severe corrosion could be observed where the head of the screw joined the threaded section. This corrosion was not visible prior to the failure – only slight wear of the cross-head was reported. Since then, the company concerned has instigated a full inspection of all band-securing screws with any screw showing slight wear being replaced.

Latest Safety Flashes:

Three crane incidents

A member reports three separate but related crane incidents involving cranes.

Read more
Finger trapped and injured while working on heavy equipment

A third-party technician suffered a pinch injury to the right index finger.

Read more
Machinery damaged through improper maintenance technique

During an audit on an offshore vessel it was observed that the fuel oil purifier failed to self-discharge.

Read more
Gangway damaged after unauthorised re-installation

During vessel position adjustments, an unattended gangway was caught between berth and vessel, and damaged.

Read more
Some positive findings

Controlled Contractor Induction Process, Effective Gangway Induction and Documentation Control, and Safe Positioning and Good Communication During Lifting Operations.

Read more

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.