Failure of a high pressure gas charging hose
- Safety Flash
- Published on 20 December 2007
- Generated on 3 April 2026
- IMCA SF 10/07
- 2 minute read
A Member has reported the failure of a high pressure (HP) gas charging hose during routine gas decanting to top up the gas banks of a mobile surface supplied diving system which had been installed into a small craft used for remote diving operations.
What happened?
During the gas bank decanting, an HP gas charging hose ruptured and its recoil force caused shear failure of an isolation valve fitting which was serving as an anchor for the HP hose whip check.
The resulting failure of the valve fitting connection caused a restrained flailing of the hose and valve fitting which became entangled on the structure of the small craft.
All gas banks were immediately isolated, which prevented any personnel injury or further equipment damage.
HP charging hose from supply quad used for decanting (isolation/relief valves on deck circled)
HP charging hose from supply quad used for decanting (king valve and regulator on quad circled)
Charging point assembly in small craft – 1) One end of whip check anchored here; 2) Charge point isolation valve stem; 3) Failed HP hose connected
Ruptured hose with sheared fitting/valve attached – 1) Ruptured 5m long HP hose; 2) Stem of isolation valve on charge point; 3) Whip check still in its anchoring positions
¼” NPT nipple snapped off from diver charging manifold (whip check still in its anchoring position circled)
What were the causes?
After investigation by the company involved, the following points were highlighted:
- The whip check was anchored on a pressurised valve.
- There was a failure to recognise the force of recoil and effect on the whip check anchor point.
- The safe positioning of personnel performing the operation was inadequate.
Lessons learned?
Members are urged to consider the following:
- A review of whip check anchoring methods on all HP hoses.
- An inspection of all hoses for any indication of defect.
- The use of dedicated anchor connection points for whip checks.
- An alternative design of whip check that ensures the whip is held at the very end of its length i.e. Chinese finger style.
- A review of the service life for high pressure flexible hoses looking at the original date of whip manufacture and how many pressurisation cycles the whip has had.
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.