Safety Flash
Near miss: pilot ladder – side rope failed
Near miss: pilot ladder – side rope failed
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 03/23
- Inspection and MaintenanceMarine OperationsWorking at Height
- Falls from heightMechanical failure
- Inspection and maintenancePersonnel transfer
- Ladder
- Functional testingPre-use checksPreventive maintenance
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
During night-time pilot boarding, a ladder side rope parted during weight testing; the pilot was uninjured and boarding was aborted. The flash identifies omitted strength testing, continued use beyond operational life and absence of a spare ladder. Actions address pre-use inspection, replacement intervals and planned maintenance records.
Classifications: Falls from height; fall from height.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Personnel transfer; crew transfer.
Classifications: Ladder; ladders.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Pre-use checks; pre-use inspection.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Whilst undertaking pilot boarding operations during the hours of darkness, a side rope on the pilot ladder parted while being weight tested by the pilot.
IMCA SF 03/23. Themes: inspection and maintenance, marine operations, working at height.