Safety Flash
Unplanned deployment of free fall lifeboat
Unplanned deployment of free fall lifeboat
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 21/18
- Emergency ResponseEvacuation, Escape and RescueInspection and Maintenance
- Vessel collision
- Inspection and maintenance
- Lifeboat
- Functional testingPositive retention and reliable securing
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A free-fall lifeboat deployed unnoticed from a vessel alongside and struck a nearby barge, damaging its bow. Investigation identified no clear root cause or technical defects; the member remained dissatisfied with the proposed explanation. Actions addressed master-link positioning, reduced certified occupancy and maintenance-hook use in port or during maintenance at sea.
Classifications: Vessel collision; ship collision; marine allision.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Lifeboat; survival craft.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Positive retention and reliable securing.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
A free-fall lifeboat launched unexpectedly for an undetermined reason and collided with a nearby barge.
IMCA SF 21/18. Themes: emergency response, evacuation, escape and rescue, inspection and maintenance.