Positives – rubber seals on hatches, securing of shackle pins, fuel sample box

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 23 July 2026
  • Generated on 20 October 2026
  • IMCA SF 13/26
  • 2 minute read

What happened?

A Member reports a few positive findings.

Maintenance of rubber seals on emergency fire flaps and hatches

Emergency fire flaps and hatches were observed to be fitted with properly maintained rubber seals in very good condition. The arrangement demonstrates strong attention to safety, effective sealing integrity, and good maintenance practices, contributing positively to fire protection and operational reliability onboard.

Inappropriately maintained seals on hatches has been noted on IMCA members’ vessels. See this previous Safety Flash event:

·         Get it fixed!! Deteriorated seals on emergency hatch

Double Securing on Life raft Belt Shackle Pins

Life raft belt shackle pins were observed to be properly double secured, demonstrating a high standard of safety awareness and attention to detail onboard. The arrangement reflects good seamanship practices and contributes positively to the prevention of accidental loosening or release during operations and emergency situations. 


IMCA Safety Flash events of interest:

·         Near-miss: Rigging recovered with missing nut from tri-plate shackle

·         Near-miss: Missing nut and split pin on shackle

Fuel Sample Storage Arrangement

A dedicated metal box with shelves was observed, clearly identified and specifically allocated for the organized storage of fuel samples. The arrangement was found to be neat, well structured, and properly labelled, demonstrating good housekeeping practices and effective flammable substance sample management onboard.

IMCA Safety Flash events of interest:

Latest Safety Flashes:

Hydraulic oil leak detected below moonpool

A hydraulic oil leak was identified below the moonpool after the worktable doors were opened.

Read more
Dropped scaffold board (kickplate) – SIF near miss

A scaffolding kickboard was accidentally dropped falling from a height of 6.5 metres to the main deck.

Read more
H₂S detected on deck

During vessel transit back to port, Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S) was detected in the open space on the main deck.

Read more
Restoration and verification after maintenance

A missing flooring panel was identified beneath a 415V bow thruster electrical motor cabinet.

Read more
Vessel contact during materiel transfer in adverse weather

One vessel lost heading and position control because of the strong winds and swell, pushing it toward another.

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.