- Enter the IMCA Awards 2024: We\'re looking for outstanding Safety, Sustainability, and GHG projects.
- IP Code: Mandatory Code enters into force on 1 July. Make sure your company is up to speed with the changes.
- Early Bird tickets available for the IMCA Global Summit 2024. 3-4 December, Utrecht, Netherlands. Members can save £400.
- Discover how we are helping Members reduce emissions: Explore the ProjectGHG hub now.
- Now booking. Join the Lifting and Rigging community at our Technical Seminar in Amsterdam. Thursday 12 September 2024
- Now booking. Underwater Ship Husbandry Seminar. 10 October 2024, Singapore.
Close approach of AHTS vessel to offshore rig
What happened
An AHTS vessel made a close approach to the mooring lines for an offshore rig. The AHTS was involved in anchor handling operations for the rig. The vessel passed anchor line #6 to the rig and started to move towards anchor line #3. Control of the vessel was transferred from forward to aft console. Once in position, the vessel received the PCP (Permanent Chasing Pennant) of anchor line #3 by rig crane and it was secured on the Karm fork. The rig’s crane was released, but the chaser’s collar slid on the anchor line towards anchor #3 and pulled the stern of the vessel to starboard, resulting in a bow side close approach to mooring line #2.
To stop this movement the Master activated the bow tunnel thruster, but the thruster did not start. As a result, the vessel bow had a close approach to mooring line #2. The Master immediately switched on all thrusters, obtained full manoeuvrability of the vessel, and the vessel pulled away safely.
What was the cause?
- Further review identified that the bow thruster electromotor was off. Machinery required for safe manoeuvring of the vessel had been disabled. The electromotors for the tunnel thrusters had been switched off by the chief officer to rest the machinery as the vessel was leaving the 500m zone. This fact had not been communicated to the Master;
- The fact that the servo pumps were running gave a false assurance of full operability of the thrusters;
- There was no check of full operability after transfer of vessel control from forward to aft control stations.
Actions taken
- Ensured that critical vessel equipment is not switched off or its operational mode changed without the approval of the person in charge on the bridge;
- Manual transfer of vessel control to be followed by mandatory thorough checks of all propulsion relevant to the operation;
- Developed comprehensive work instructions for bridge transfer control.
Members may wish to refer to:
Safety Event
Published: 16 May 2023
Download: IMCA SF 12/23
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding [email protected] to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.
IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall 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.