Head injury when crew member fell over in bathroom during heavy weather
- Safety Flash
- Published on 27 March 2023
- Generated on 19 November 2025
- IMCA SF 08/23
- 2 minute read
A member of the crew fell over in the bathroom of his cabin while the vessel was rolling violently, and suffered a minor head injury as a result.
What happened?
The incident occurred when the vessel was steaming at full speed during moderate weather conditions, and was rolling in consequence.
When the vessel rolled suddenly, the person lost balance, tripped and hit his head against a towel rail.
Five stitches were required to close the wound.
Reconstruction!
What was the cause?
- The vessel was transiting at full speed across a heavy swell, on instructions of the client. The high speed was causing the vessel to roll up to 17 degrees.
- The injured person was caught off-balance in a narrow space in the bathroom.
Lessons learned
- Vessel Master should discuss with the Client the best and safest options for transit across rough seas or during heavy weather.
- Officer of the Watch should warn vessel crew to remain aware and be more vigilant of sudden vessel movements, particularly on the stairs, in the galley, in bathrooms, on the open deck, in the engine room and anywhere else where there is risk of injury from overbalancing and falling or tripping over.
- An old saying from the days of sailing ships is: “One hand for yourself, one hand for the ship”.
Related safety flashes
-
IMCA SF 05/16
24 February 2016
-
IMCA SF 03/09
5 March 2009
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.