Safety Flash
ROV main lift umbilical failure
ROV main lift umbilical failure
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 08/15
- Inspection and MaintenanceMachinery and EquipmentMarine Operations
- CorrosionDropped objectsMechanical failure
- Inspection and maintenanceLifting operationsROV operations
- Remotely operated vehicleWire rope
- Preventive maintenance
- Marine industry
- SubseaVessel
Summary
An ROV lift umbilical parted during recovery, dropping the vehicle to the seabed in 1360 m water depth. Recovery found no damage or injuries. Investigation identified hidden internal damage linked to inadequate lubricant penetration despite certification and scheduled maintenance. The flash recommends strand inspections and improved destructive-test reporting.
Classifications: Corrosion; corrosion damage.
Classifications: Dropped objects; falling objects; DROPS.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Lifting operations; load lifting; hoisting.
Classifications: ROV operations; remotely operated vehicle operations.
Classifications: Remotely operated vehicle; ROV; underwater robot.
Classifications: Wire rope; steel wire rope.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Subsea; underwater worksite.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
A ROV main lift umbilical failed because of hidden internal corrosion and inadequate lubricant penetration during recovery.
IMCA SF 08/15. Themes: inspection and maintenance, machinery and equipment, marine operations.