Safety Flash
Failure of remote control/emergency stop on rescue boat winch
Failure of remote control/emergency stop on rescue boat winch
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 05/21
- Evacuation, Escape and RescueInspection and MaintenanceMachinery and Equipment
- Functional safetyMechanical failure
- Inspection and maintenanceLifting operations
- Operator displays and control interfacesRescue-craft davitWinch
- Functional testingEnergy and process isolationOperating and work proceduresPreventive maintenance
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
During rescue-boat recovery, remote control and emergency-stop functions failed, and the limit switch did not stop retrieval. Inspection found a contactor stuck closed; frequent short switching intervals were considered the most probable cause. The flash emphasises correct retrieval procedures, component inspection and replacement, and regular emergency-stop function testing within planned maintenance.
Classifications: Functional safety; safety instrumented systems; SIS.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Lifting operations; load lifting; hoisting.
Classifications: Operator displays and control interfaces.
Classifications: Rescue-craft davit; FRC davit; rescue boat davit.
Classifications: Winch; winches.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Energy and process isolation; isolation; energy isolation.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
While completing the testing of a rescue boat, the Able Seaman (AB) started recovery of the boat to the davit using a remote control; but close to the final stowage position, the remote control failed and the limit switch did not activate as designed
IMCA SF 05/21. Themes: evacuation, escape and rescue, inspection and maintenance, machinery and equipment.