Bunker hose obstructing emergency exit
- Safety Flash
- Published on 7 November 2025
- Generated on 22 December 2025
- IMCA SF 20/25
- 2 minute read
On an offshore vessel, a bunker hose was discovered routed in a way that partially obstructed the stern emergency exit hatch.
What happened?
The heavy hose lay over the corner of the hatch cover. It proved impossible to lift the hatch with the hose laid against it, and it would certainly have been impossible to open the hatch in an emergency situation. This created a very serious safety hazard by potentially delaying or blocking emergency egress.
How could they have done things better?
- They could have planned the routing of the hose.
- There could have been better supervision of the crew doing the work.
- They could have had a better awareness of the need to consider emergency access requirements.
- Engine room escape, and the need to discuss where to route the hose in this context, could easily be added to the risk assessment and toolbox talk for bunkering.
What were the lessons?
- To keep emergency exits clear at all times – there’s no exceptions, ever.
- Stop and have a quick visual check during all deck operations – could we be blocking any emergency exits?
- Can we install physical barriers or signage to demarcate emergency escape paths clearly and prevent accidental obstruction?
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 02/23
11 January 2023
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IMCA SF 26/21
22 September 2021
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IMCA SF 12/21
27 April 2021
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