Rigging failure – Clump weight dropped to seabed
- Safety Flash
- Published on 26 November 2020
- Generated on 23 June 2025
- IMCA SF 33/20
- 2 minute read
Fire in incinerator and exhaust fan motor
What happened?
A clump weight used for anchoring a weather buoy was being deployed over the sea when the long link chain attached to the vessel crane hook failed resulting in the clump weight dropping to the seabed.
The 2.6t clump weight was the anchor component of a mooring arrangement for the weather buoy. The load was rigged using a supplied mooring arrangement, which followed the manufacturer’s drawing in the weather buoy manual. Instead of a 450kg weight it was decided to use the 2.6 tonne clump weight already available and which had been shipped to the location for deployment.
A service specialist prepared a deployment procedure which was discussed with those involved in the task. Shortly after the load was submerged in the sea the chain link attached to the quick-release mechanism snapped, and the load dropped to the seabed in an uncontrolled manner.
The findings revealed:
- The rigging failed because a larger clump weight (2.6t) was selected than the design allowed for (450 kg). This decision was based on previous experience where the standard weight (450 kg) did not adequately secure the weather buoy.
- The design and installation procedure were not revised to accommodate the heavier clump weight.
- The chain selected was not suitable for lifting. Declaration of conformity by the chain manufacturer confirmed that the working load limit was “2.5 Tonne Not for lifting”.
Actions
- All planned deviations from procedures should be subject to a formal Management of Change (MoC) process, the risk of the change adequately assessed and the change authorised by a competent person before the work proceeds.
- Reinforce to the riggers and personnel involved in lifting operations:
- the need for thorough lift planning
- that they make a thorough check that lift rigging is certified, fit for purpose and appropriate for that specific lift.
Members may wish to refer to:
- HSS001 Guidelines for management of change
- HSS019 Guidelines for lifting operations
- Short IMCA videos “Are you prepared to work safely?”: Lifting operations, Lifting equipment
- Near miss: Dropped tautwire clump weight
- Weight dropped to the seabed narrowly missing diving bell
- Near miss: Single wire strand protruded from original lay
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.