Safety Flash
High potential near-miss: Failure of lifeboat release hook mechanism
High potential near-miss: Failure of lifeboat release hook mechanism
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 17/15
- Evacuation, Escape and RescueInspection and MaintenanceMachinery and Equipment
- Mechanical failure
- Inspection and maintenanceLifting operations
- LifeboatLifting accessories
- Operating and work proceduresPositive retention and reliable securing
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A lifeboat’s forward hook released during post-maintenance davit brake testing, allowing an approximately 30 cm drop before a fall preventer arrested it. Preliminary findings identified a failed operation cable but uncertainty over hook resetting or failure under load. Recommendations address release-mechanism inspection, routine checks and fall-preventer maintenance.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Lifting operations; load lifting; hoisting.
Classifications: Lifeboat; survival craft.
Classifications: Lifting accessories; lifting gear; rigging gear.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Positive retention and reliable securing.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
A member has reported a high potential near miss incident involving the failure of a lifeboat release hook mechanism.
IMCA SF 17/15. Themes: evacuation, escape and rescue, inspection and maintenance, machinery and equipment.