Gangway damaged after unauthorised re-installation
- Safety Flash
- Published on 28 May 2026
- Generated on 28 May 2026
- IMCA SF 10/26
- 2 minute read
During vessel position adjustments, an unattended gangway was caught between berth and vessel, and damaged.
What happened?
During cargo operations in port, a vessel’s aft mooring lines were found tightened. The port coordinator and third-party riggers were informed about temporarily suspending the operation. After the engines were ready, control was taken from the bridge, and the gangway was recovered onboard. While the deck crew was loosening the mooring lines, the port riggers that stayed onboard reinstalled the gangway without informing the vessel’s crew and then left the vessel. During subsequent vessel position adjustments, the unattended gangway was caught between berth and vessel, and damaged. No-one was injured.
What went wrong?
- There was a failure in communication between the port coordinator, third-party riggers, and the vessel bridge. The bridge crew and deck crew were not informed of the gangway re-installation, and there was subsequent uncoordinated vessel movement.
- Unauthorized Gangway Handling – the third-party riggers re-installed the gangway without permission or proper communication.
- There was no control or supervision of the third-party riggers onboard the vessel.
The investigation also noted the following:
- There was a man overboard risk: the gangway could potentially be used while the vessel was moving.
- There were conflicting statements regarding whether the gangway barrier chains were secured. CCTV footage was unclear and could not confirm the actual condition.
Lessons to learn
- Vessel gangways are critical safety equipment and should only be handled by authorized vessel crew under an order given from the bridge.
- During re-berthing or gangway removal, it may be appropriate to have third-party contractors and visitors disembark unless full control over those remaining onboard can be guaranteed.
- Gangway access during vessel movement or when mooring lines are slackened, regardless of operational pressure, should not be permitted.
- Gangway barrier chains/access gates should be closed after gangway removal on deck.
- All shore/third-party personnel should complete vessel sign in & sign-off procedures while accessing & leaving vessel.
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 27/18
14 December 2018
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IMCA SF 02/23
11 January 2023
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IMCA SF 03/18
31 January 2018
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IMCA SF 28/23
6 December 2023
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