Failure of dive chamber overhead door centre pin
- Safety Flash
- Published on 22 July 2021
- Generated on 11 November 2026
- IMCA SF 20/21
- 2 minute read
Minutes after a dive team transferred from the entry lock into the diving bell, there was a failure of the diving bell overhead door centre pin.
What happened?
A “bang” was heard and it was seen that components of the top door mechanism had failed.
The bell and dive system remained safe, there was no loss of pressure. Following discussion with the team onboard the door was lowered in a controlled manner supported by the diver recovery hoist in conjunction with the top door hydraulic ram. The divers were transferred to an adjacent chamber and the system made safe.
The top door hinge pin, weighing 0.5 kg, fell from its position approximately 1.8 m to the deck of the entry lock; there was no-one in the entry lock at the time.
The entry lock
Portion of pin remaining on door
Broken pin section
Our member notes that investigation is still ongoing including (and not limited to) design review, metallurgical analysis etc.
This failure appears to be limited to this specific design of hinge and operating mechanism. It should be noted that the hydraulic ram did not act directly onto the pin that failed. The hydraulic ram was, however, directly attached to the door (via clevis).
Our member estimates that the door would have been operated between 1500 – 2000 times per year for an average diving year (200-250 days diving), and suggests that the root cause is likely to be design related, corrosion and cyclic stress fatigue cracking (applied over many years).
Actions
Doors with a similar design should be checked for cracks at the earliest opportunity.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 25/18
9 November 2018
-
-
IMCA SF 18/14
25 November 2014
-
IMCA SF 09/13
18 June 2013
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.