Crew member stopped unsafe cargo operations
- Safety Flash
- Published on 2 December 2021
- Generated on 12 June 2026
- IMCA SF 33/21
- 2 minute read
During third-party cargo operations from the dock to the vessel it was noticed that the lift was being conducted using a wire set with no colour code and the cargo/metal box had no valid certification marks.
What happened?
The Second Officer immediately stopped the work and asked the client’s lifting supervisor to provide relevant assurance on lifting gear and cargo certification.
No evidence was provided, and so the cargo was left on the quay and quarantined afterwards.
What went right?
- Stop Work Authority was properly and correctly exercised by the Second Officer, demonstrating a duty of care and a good example to the entire crew.
- The Deck Officer fully understood the requirements for lifting equipment and rightly stopped the work when he observed that the requirements could not be met.
Recommendations
- KNOW the lifting requirements and colour coding systems in use on your vessel and by your company’s clients.
- INSPECT lifting equipment before activities start to ensure that all requirements are met.
- EMPOWER any person on the crew to stop the job if it is unsafe.
Members may wish to refer to:
- IMCA videos – Be prepared to work safely:
- IMCA HSS019 – Guidelines for lifting operations
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 07/21
4 March 2021
-
-
IMCA SF 28/20
28 September 2020
-
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.