Safety Flash
Loss of ROV: dropped object
Loss of ROV: dropped object
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 18/09
- CorrosionDropped ObjectsInspection and MaintenanceMarine Operations
- CorrosionDropped objectsMechanical failure
- Inspection and maintenanceROV operations
- Remotely operated vehicle
- Operating and work proceduresPreventive maintenance
- Subsea
Summary
An ROV and its tether management system fell to the seabed during recovery after umbilical termination failure. Investigation identified excessive internal bullet friction preventing proper cast wedging and unclear maintenance instructions. Corrective actions included armour-strand inspections, recurring cast photography and replacement of carbon-steel bullets with stainless-steel versions.
Classifications: Corrosion; corrosion damage.
Classifications: Dropped objects; falling objects; DROPS.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: ROV operations; remotely operated vehicle operations.
Classifications: Remotely operated vehicle; ROV; underwater robot.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Subsea; underwater worksite.
Summary
A Member has reported an incident in which a remotely controlled vehicle (ROV) and its tether management system (TMS) were dropped to the seabed following failure of the umbilical termination.
IMCA SF 18/09. Themes: corrosion, dropped objects, inspection and maintenance, marine operations.