Man overboard: personnel transfers by swing rope and personnel basket
- Safety Flash
- Published on 9 July 2018
- Generated on 17 October 2025
- IMCA SF 14/18
- 2 minute read
The United States’ Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has published Safety Alert 331 on personnel transfers using swing rope and personnel basket.
It relates to a swing rope transfer in the Gulf of Mexico between a platform and a boat, when a person fell into the sea. The person was recovered swiftly by a small boat but was injured and subsequently diagnosed with a torn ligament in his elbow requiring surgery.
BSEE subsequently revisited incident data to determine the frequency of personnel transfer incidents in 2017. The safety alert covers a number of recent incidents
What actions were taken? What lessons were learned?
Due to the frequency of personnel transfer events noted, and their potential consequences, BSEE made recommendations which are summarised thus:
- Review the BSEE safety alert with all personnel who transfer to facilities via swing rope or personnel baskets.
- Before personnel transfer, inspect and test all hardware associated with the operation and report any deficiencies found.
- Stress the significance of patience, weather and sea conditions, and the use of the ‘stop work authority’.
- Consider developing fitness for duty requirements for personnel involved in transfers.
Safety Alert 331 can be found on the BSSE website.
Members may also wish to refer to:
- IMCA HSS025, LR012, M202 Guidance on the transfer of personnel to and from offshore vessels and structures
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 03/13
30 January 2013
-
IMCA SF 17/09
1 December 2009
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.