Safety Flash
An error with fire flaps led to engine space flooding, causing costly damage
An error with fire flaps led to engine space flooding, causing costly damage
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 19/15
- Human FactorsMachinery and EquipmentMarine OperationsVessel and Mooring
- Mechanical failureVessel flooding and foundering
- Marine operations
- Pumps
- Flood containment and watertight integrity
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A crew transfer vessel suffered engine-space flooding after an incorrectly positioned retaining pin allowed a fire flap to close in moderate seas. Engine suction loosened a toilet overboard pipe. Bilge pump failures complicated containment, and seawater damage required substantial engine repairs and off-hire time. No injuries or risk to life were reported.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Vessel flooding and foundering; water ingress.
Classifications: Marine operations; maritime operations.
Classifications: Pumps.
Classifications: Flood containment and watertight integrity.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
A member has reported an incident in which there was sea-water flooding of one of the engine spaces on a crew transfer vessel, leading to significant and expensive equipment damage. The immediate cause of the flood was a small error - fire flaps not being secured properly.
IMCA SF 19/15. Themes: human factors, machinery and equipment, marine operations, vessel and mooring.