Inadequate maintenance and securing arrangements of emergency exit hatches

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 17 September 2018
  • Generated on 16 September 2025
  • IMCA SF 21/18
  • 1 minute read

The port side emergency exit to deck from the steering gear room failed to open during an inspection by shore-side management.

What happened?

In addition, inappropriate locking arrangements (bolt with a nut) were found used for various emergency exit hatches located on both sides of the main deck.

inappropriate locking arrangements used

What were the causes?

  • There were inappropriate locking arrangements for emergency exit hatches – these should not be used. This practice could have led to a potentially hazardous situation where the hatch could not be opened.

What lessons were learned?

  • As per company planned maintenance schedule, the correct and full operation of all watertight doors and escape hatches should be checked on a weekly basis.
  • Safety inspections and maintenance of critical equipment should be conducted in an effective manner.

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