Safety Flash
Near-miss: Engine room flooding
Near-miss: Engine room flooding
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 16/14
- Control of WorkMachinery and EquipmentSimultaneous Operations
- Mechanical failurePressure systemsVessel flooding and foundering
- Inspection and maintenanceMarine operations
- Operator displays and control interfacesPumpsValve
- Functional testingHuman-centred designOperating and work proceduresSafety communication
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A ballasting near-miss flooded a vessel’s engine room after rapid valve closure created a pressure shock that displaced a sea-strainer cover. Inadequate communication and departure from the manufacturer’s procedure worsened events. Lessons include vessel-specific procedures, clearer valve displays and interlocks preventing simultaneous pump and valve operation.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Vessel flooding and foundering; water ingress.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Marine operations; maritime operations.
Classifications: Operator displays and control interfaces.
Classifications: Pumps.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Human-centred design.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Incorrect valve actions during ballasting caused seawater ingress into the engine room after a pressure shock dislodged a sea-strainer cover.
IMCA SF 16/14. Themes: control of work, machinery and equipment, simultaneous operations.