Lifeboat launch capability compromised
- Safety Flash
- Published on 29 November 2016
- Generated on 15 February 2026
- IMCA SF 32/16
- 1 minute read
Step Change in Safety has published the following safety alert regarding an incident in which lifeboat launch capability was compromised.
What happened?
The incident occurred when scaffolding was erected in close proximity to the lifeboat. It had been erected to allow safe access for sub-contract personnel to surrounding structures. During a worksite visit it was noted that the scaffold had been erected around the winch chain on the aft end of the lifeboat.
This would have rendered the lifeboat very difficult to launch. It was identified that the opening left to allow the winch chain and winch block to pass through was significantly smaller than the winch block itself. On the underside of the scaffold boards there was a scaffold pole support that would also have impaired the descent of the lifeboat.
The full report can be found at Step Change in Safety | Lifeboat launch capability compromised.
No similar incidents where safety equipment was obstructed by scaffolding were found. However, members may wish to refer to the incidents (search words: scaffolding) described in the following Related Safety Flashes.
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 15/13
23 September 2013
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IMCA SF 07/11
19 July 2011
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