Huge leak discovered in fresh water system
- Safety Flash
- Published on 9 June 2017
- Generated on 27 December 2025
- IMCA SF 14/17
- 2 minute read
Daily soundings of fresh water tanks on a vessel revealed that they were emptying fast – 35 tonnes over 24 hours.
What happened?
A thorough check was conducted of all cabins including the hospital and cabins not currently in use, and no leak or open tap was discovered.
Engineers checked all possible valves on the system for leakage, and made a double check of all tanks, which when compared with the previous sounding, found that there was no change in reading – the water was gone; it was not an error of measurement.
What went wrong? Investigation and findings
It was noticed in due course that water was flowing continuously from an overboard discharge on the port side.
The galley, laundry room and mess room were thoroughly checked once again.
A bain-marie (the device used to keep food warm at the serving point in the mess) inlet and discharge valve were left open. Since there was no overflow from the bain-marie, the leak had not been detected at first.
What were the causes of the incident?
The root cause was considered to be inadequate supervision.
What lessons were learned? And what were the actions?
- A poster with location of valves for bain-marie with marked close/open position was displayed in the mess room and the operation of the valves explained to mess crew.
Related safety flashes
-
IMCA SF 07/15
29 May 2015
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.