Uncontrolled movement of retractable gangway
- Safety Flash
- Published on 17 December 2019
- Generated on 21 June 2026
- IMCA SF 30/19
- 1 minute read
During lifting up and securing of a vessel’s retractable gangway, the spring latch of the lifting device disconnected causing an uncontrolled release of the holding wire, and the gangway fell.
What happened?
The hand-crank of the lifting winch began rotating at high speed causing risk of injury to operating personnel.
The gangway was secured using the vessel’s crane. There were no injuries.
What went wrong?
- An unsafe gangway had been provided and requests for repair had not been met with any response.
- The vessel crew did not use “stop work authority“.
What actions were taken?
- Inspect all lifting appliances for the gangway.
- Replace damaged parts – spring latch replaced.
- Modification to gangway to secure it from possibility of uncontrolled fall.
Featured Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 15/19
1 July 2019
-
-
IMCA SF 27/18
14 December 2018
-
-
IMCA SF 15/09
23 October 2009
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.