Crew member stopped unsafe cargo operations
- Safety Flash
- Published on 2 December 2021
- Generated on 18 November 2025
- 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
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IMCA SF 07/21
4 March 2021
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IMCA SF 28/20
28 September 2020
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