MSF: Potential dropped object

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 16 June 2021
  • Generated on 16 September 2026
  • IMCA SF 17/21
  • 1 minute read

The Marine Safety Forum (MSF) has published Safety Alert 21-08 relating to a potential dropped object which was found during lifting operations between a vessel and a platform.

What happened?

A metal plate of size 25 x 17 x 6 cm, weighing 1.6 kg, was found inside a forklift pocket hole on a 10′ container when the container was landed onto a platform from a vessel. 

The MSF noted that the size and weight of the plate meant that this potential dropped object could have been life-threatening had it hit someone.

MSF: Potential dropped object

What went wrong?

The MSF noted that “one of the possible reasons that this particular plate may have been washed from its position within the main deck could have been that it was quite badly buckled or bent. This could have enabled water breaking onto the vessel’s main deck, to work beneath the plate to lift it.”

Actions

Check pin post/lifting point plates, to ensure that they:

  • are not buckled

  • fit correctly

  • can be secured appropriately.

Latest Safety Flashes:

Shoulder injury during intrusive work on pressurised hydraulic system

A hydraulic technician sustained a left shoulder injury during maintenance on a known small leak on a main hydraulic pressure line.

Read more
Galley fire alarm during diving operations

There was a galley fire alarm during active surface-supplied diving operations.

Read more
Unauthorised firing of rocket line

Without warning or agreement, Line Throwing Apparatus (LTA) was discharged by the tanker deck crew, splitting into two parts.

Read more
Unauthorized modification of main engine fuel pump linkage

An unsafe and unauthorized modification was identified on the main engine high-pressure fuel pump linkage arrangement.

Read more
Mooring rope caught in stern thruster

Confusion whilst unmooring as it was being prepared for departure from port, led to mooring ropes being caught in the stern thruster.

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.