Potential dropped object during cargo offloading operations
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 September 2016
- Generated on 22 August 2026
- IMCA SF 22/16
- 2 minute read
The MSF has published a safety alert regarding a potential dropped object. Following cargo offloading operations from a vessel to an offshore platform, the platform crew notified the vessel that a post cover had been found on top of a mud skip that had been received from the vessel.
What happened?
The post cover had the potential to be a dropped object of major consequence. The post cover weighed approximately 4kg.
The post cover had been removed while lashings were fitted to cargo. The post cover was placed on top of the mud skip and not been removed before the oncoming shift hooking the off-going mud skip onto the crane. The post cover had gone unnoticed and the mud skip was offloaded to the platform. Post covers are known to come free during adverse weather and previous incidents have involved the lodging of post covers in forklift pockets of containers.
Investigation identified one immediate cause and one root cause:
- Immediate Cause – Crew member left post cover on top of mud skip during cargo operations.
- Root Cause – No process in place for managing the removal and replacement of post covers during cargo operations.
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.