Positives – rubber seals on hatches, securing of shackle pins, fuel sample box
- Safety Flash
- Published on 23 July 2026
- Generated on 7 August 2026
- IMCA SF 13/26
- 2 minute read
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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:
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
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:
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