“Don’t forget about gangways” – USCG: Pilot Dies in Gangway Accident
- Safety Flash
- Published on 14 December 2018
- Generated on 22 November 2025
- IMCA SF 27/18
- 2 minute read
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has published Safety Alert 14-18 regarding a fatal gangway accident
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has published Safety Alert 14-18 regarding a fatal gangway accident.
Whilst boarding, the gangway separated from the vessel and two individuals fell into the water. Investigations into this incident are still taking place, however it is a reminder that everyday equipment on board vessels can become hazardous when boarding and departing.
Risks and hazards need to be properly recognised and appropriately mitigated on commercial vessels. Hazards can be presented by:
- rotating machinery
- electrical systems
- severe weather or potential fire.
Mariners could become complacent in recognising hazards, and therefore not appreciate the hazards that a gangway could present. Some organisations have recognised the risk of injury and/or fatality, and have appropriately developed gangway safety standards, requirements and best practices to be implemented on board.
The USCG have named the following as having put forward requirements and best practices to improve gangway safety:
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- International Maritime Organization (IMO)
- Protection and Indemnity Clubs
- Owners and Operators
- Others.
Due to the above-mentioned fatality, the USCG has strongly recommended:
- “Owners and operators, captains and mates review and implement the best practices as presented in the above links and comply with all the regulations applicable to your vessel;
- For vessel pilots, crews, vendors, or anyone boarding or departing a vessel, condition yourself to take a moment to examine the gangway, accommodation or pilot ladder. Look for potential hazards or deficiencies and report them to senior personnel on board the vessel.”
The USCG notes: never assume that a gangway crossing is ‘routine’ – if there are any concerns regarding the safety of a crossing, do not cross – report your concerns.
The full safety alert can be found on the USCG website.
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.