Provisions crane damaged by main deck crane

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 4 September 2020
  • Generated on 30 January 2026
  • IMCA SF 26/20
  • 2 minute read

What happened?

During vessel mobilisation the boat cradle had to be shifted from centre of the main deck towards the starboard side closer to the accommodation.

The main crane was used for this lift and the provisions crane was parked in standby facing aft.

While slewing the main crane to starboard, the main crane jib crane came into contact with the jib on the provisions crane.

The provisions crane was inspected after impact and mechanical damage was found on the slewing gear and pinion gear.

pinion gear damage; and sketch of movement and position of cranes

What were the causes? What went wrong?

  • The provisions crane was in the blind spot of the main crane operator cabin.

  • The banksman was focusing on the lift and not the position of the provisions crane.

  • The provisions crane had been left parked facing aft in standby.

  • The person who had most recently operated the provisions crane had not been part of the mobilisation plan toolbox talk.

Actions

  • All crew and mobilisation team to be included in the mobilisation plan toolbox talk.

  • A procedure would be implemented for parking the provisions crane.

  • An emphasis would be placed on communication and awareness for the crane operator and banksman as well as the mobilisation team.

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