Failure of COBRA contents pressure gauge
- Safety Flash
- Published on 8 November 2021
- Generated on 4 May 2026
- IMCA SF 30/21
- 2 minute read
Whilst at the COBRA charging station in the bell hangar during project mobilisation, a diver was venting a COBRA unit, prior to charging.
What happened?
The diver opened the valve slowly and, when the gauge reached 100 bar, a ‘popping’ sound was heard and the gauge fell to the floor.
The diver immediately closed the valve and reported to the Dive Tech Supervisor.
COBRA unit
Area where gauge failed
What were the causes?
- Immediate cause – failure of thread
- Underlying cause – impact load placed on thread connection during use
- Dive technical examination by subject matter experts concluded that the thread failed due to dynamic damage, likely caused by being bumped, knocked or stood on during use.
Actions
- All COBRA and bail out gauges inspected and replaced as necessary.
- Planned Maintenance System updated to include monthly inspection of contents gauge, inclusive of gauge being removed from the HP hose to check integrity of fittings.
- Third-party inspection of failed gauge.
- Improved traceability through all contents gauges being serialised units.
Overall, an opportunity taken to make improvements to maintenance and equipment traceability in order to further improve resilience of equipment.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 17/21
16 June 2021
-
IMCA SF 20/17
11 August 2017
-
-
IMCA SF 20/17
11 August 2017
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.