MSF: Watertight door fatality

An individual at a marine worksite was found in between the sliding hydraulic watertight door and the door frame. He was found unconscious and not breathing. He was brought to sick bay and assessed with no signs of life. Although actual causes have yet to be determined since the investigation is still ongoing, the purpose of sharing this alert is to facilitate reflective discussions with vessel marine crews and interested parties on the dangers posed by watertight doors.

• What are watertight doors for?
  • Watertight doors are there to prevent water passage between compartments, maintain buoyancy and stability; and enhance safety by limited water movement during emergencies. 
• Where are they found?
  • Watertight doors are typically located in underdeck areas prone to water ingress and commonly found on various types of ships and vessels, including container ships, offshore vessels, etc. 
    
    
• Types of watertight door
  • Two main types of doors: hinged and sliding doors.
  • Powered watertight doors can be operated locally, remotely from the bridge or have a form of automatic closure mechanism.
  • Powered watertight doors are extremely heavy and powerful. 

·       UK MCA (Maritime & Coastguard Agency):

• • Marine Guidance Note 35 (M+F) Amendment 2 Accidents when using power operated watertight doors
  • Code of safe working practices for merchant seafarers (COSWP) section 11.6 on Power-operated watertight doors