Unsafe personnel transfer – man overboard

What happened

After completing a standard diving activity for underwater hull cleaning on a pilot boat, the diver used the quayside fender to embark from the jetty to the pilot boat. In so doing, his right foot slipped, resulting in an uncontrolled movement. The Diving Supervisor, assisting his safe embarkation onboard the forward deck, also lost his balance, resulting in both of them jumping into the water away from the fender and vessel. Their lifejackets inflated immediately, and both swam towards the quay ladder, located a few meters away. No injuries were sustained.

Quayside fender used to board the pilot boat

How not to do it: demonstration of unsafe embarkation

What were the causes?

There was no suitable means of access/egress to or from the pilot boat;
Complacency – “task seen as routine”;
They ought have stopped the job but they didn’t: Stop Work authority was not exercised.

Actions

Find a safe means of access/egress arrangements at temporary locations;
Re-emphasise importance of Stop work authority as an obligation and responsibility.

Members may wish to review:

Safety Event

Published: 15 October 2021
Download: IMCA SF 28/21

Relevant life-saving rules:

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.