Safety Flash
ROV free-fall incident
ROV free-fall incident
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 07/05
- Human FactorsLifting OperationsMarine Operations
- Dropped objectsHuman factorsMechanical failure
- Lifting operationsROV operations
- Remotely operated vehicleWinch
- Competence and trainingOperating and work proceduresRisk assessment
- Marine industry
- Marine waters
Summary
A work-class ROV fell approximately 10 metres into the sea during recovery, causing minor damage but no injuries. The investigation identified a procedural lapse and suspected combined umbilical tension involving the winch and A-frame. Recommendations addressed docking-device design, annual destructive umbilical testing, procedures, training and visual operating-envelope indicators.
Classifications: Dropped objects; falling objects; DROPS.
Classifications: Human factors; human performance; ergonomics.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Lifting operations; load lifting; hoisting.
Classifications: ROV operations; remotely operated vehicle operations.
Classifications: Remotely operated vehicle; ROV; underwater robot.
Classifications: Winch; winches.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Marine waters.
Summary
A member has reported an incident which resulted in a work-class remotely operated vehicle (ROV) free-falling approximately 10 metres into the sea during a recovery operation.
IMCA SF 07/05. Themes: human factors, lifting operations, marine operations.