Safety Flash
Accidental discharge of bilge water in dry dock
Accidental discharge of bilge water in dry dock
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 18/16
- Contractor ManagementControl of WorkEnvironment
- Environmental protectionHuman factorsLoss of containment
- Inspection and maintenance
- Storage tanks
- Operating and work proceduresOperational supervisionRisk assessmentSafety communication
- Marine industry
Summary
This safety flash describes bilge water draining into a graving dock after personnel opened the wrong tank bottom plug. Findings identify inadequate communication and supervision. Preventative actions address docking-plan markings, confirmed plug identification, Chief Officer supervision, recorded risk assessment and toolbox talks. Absorbent sheets removed oil traces; no basin pollution was reported.
Classifications: Environmental protection; environmental safety; pollution prevention.
Classifications: Human factors; human performance; ergonomics.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Operational supervision.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Summary
Bilge water entered a dry dock after personnel opened the wrong tank plug without adequate communication, supervision or confirmation.
IMCA SF 18/16. Themes: contractor management, control of work, environment.