Man overboard – Fall from a pilot ladder
- Safety Flash
- Published on 6 December 2019
- Generated on 23 March 2026
- IMCA SF 28/19
- 2 minute read
While boarding a vessel via pilot ladder from a service boat, an IT service technician lost his footing and fell from the second step of the pilot ladder into the sea.
What happened?
The technician was carrying a backpack with IT equipment and documents. He was rescued with the assistance of the crew of the service boat. First aid was rendered, and no injuries were reported. The IT equipment carried was damaged as a result of flooding with seawater.
What went wrong?
While the technician was climbing the pilot ladder with his right foot on the 2nd step of the ladder and his left foot just off the service boat deck, the boat lurched backwards, causing the bottom part of the ladder to sway slightly.
This resulted in the technician losing his balance and he fell into the water from a height of approximately 1.0 to 1.2 metres. He was not wearing a lifejacket.
Actions
- Ensure that ALL persons embarking or disembarking through the pilot ladder wear SOLAS approved lifejackets.
- No bags, back packs or any other luggage should be carried – all luggage should be sent on-board separately.
- Brief all crew on ‘stop work authority’ – this should have been stopped before it happened.
Featured Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 24/18
30 October 2018
-
-
IMCA SF 04/16
5 February 2016
-
IMCA SF 02/15
5 February 2015
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.