Control
Emergency Response
Planning, exercising and implementing response to emergencies.
Newest 100 Documents
All 691 in search- 202619 Aug
Improvements Needed In Production Safety System Training
This alert reports offshore production safety training deficiencies identified through audits, written competency tests and fire drills. Findings include gaps in retained knowledge, certification, contractor training oversight and emergency preparedness. Operators and contractors are asked to consider reviewing training arrangements, verifying competence, improving lifesaving equipment familiarity and checking alarm audibility.
- 202619 Aug
Segregate Pyrotechnics and Verify Flare Type Before Emergency Drills
A worker suffered second-degree burns after mistakenly activating a parachute flare rather than a handheld flare during a fast rescue craft drill. The alert examines mixed storage, inadequate planning and training, and procedural non-adherence, recommending consideration of improved segregation, labelling, task-specific controls and alternatives to offshore pyrotechnic expending.
- 202615 Jul
Allision of the rigid inflatable boat Peaky Blinder with a navigation beacon with the loss of 2 lives
Investigation of Peaky Blinder’s fatal allision with a navigation beacon in Portsmouth Harbour examines excessive speed, ineffective lookout and alcohol-related impairment. It discusses absent personal flotation devices, recreational boating alcohol regulation and harbour speed enforcement, with recommendations addressing statutory alcohol limits, public awareness and adherence to speed restrictions.
- 20266 May
Catastrophic engine failure and subsequent fire on board the site investigation vessel Kommandor Susan
Investigates a diesel generator failure and engine-room fire aboard Kommandor Susan during sea trials in the Firth of Forth. The report links premature bearing wear to substitute components and inappropriate extended service intervals, examines contractor oversight, and describes successful firefighting alongside emergency anchoring difficulties caused by dependence on electrical power.
- 202630 Apr
Double man overboard from the fishing vessel Weston Bay (GY123) with the loss of 1 life
Investigation into two deckhands entering the water during pot deployment aboard Weston Bay, with one death. It examines manual downstacking, exposure to running gear, loss of flotation support and failed recovery equipment, alongside deficiencies in emergency drills, risk assessments, crew task allocation and safety training. The second deckhand’s entry mechanism remains unknown.
- 20262 Apr
Foundering of the fishing vessel Freedom II (CN 111)
Investigation of Freedom II’s foundering off western Scotland identifies suction-pipe fatigue failure as the most likely flooding source. It examines overwhelmed and unavailable pumps, progressive flooding, seawater isolation, emergency preparedness and delayed distress alerting. All crew were recovered uninjured; actions already taken led to no new recommendations.
- 2026Apr
Emergency response systems save lives! — Process Safety Beacon, April 2026
This issue examines an ammonia release at a Virginia food processing facility where evacuees encountered the outdoor cloud and four employees were hospitalised. It highlights shortcomings in alarms, emergency shutdown use and release-specific planning, emphasising trained responders, regular drills, safe relief discharge locations and wind-dependent evacuation routes.
- 2026Apr
Offshore First Aid and Medical Provision Inspection Guide
Inspection guidance for assessing first aid and medical provision on offshore installations. It addresses site-specific needs assessments, medic and first-aider staffing, qualifications, medical emergency response plans and treatment facilities. Checklists examine medicines, records, equipment assurance and emergency exercises, alongside compliance scoring and enforcement assessment.
- 202631 Mar
Oil pollution risk management guidance note
Guidance for petroleum titleholders on evaluating oil pollution risks and preparing emergency response arrangements under environmental regulations. It addresses worst-case releases, oil fate and trajectory modelling, ALARP demonstrations, response resources and jurisdictional interfaces, alongside environmental monitoring, personnel competence, exercises and continuing assurance of response readiness.
- 202631 Mar
Safety case content and level of detail guidance note
Guidance for preparing and assessing offshore petroleum facility safety cases explains appropriate content and proportionate detail. It covers facility descriptions, formal safety assessment, safety-critical controls, performance standards and integrated safety management systems. Emphasis falls on standalone evidence, workforce participation, assessment uncertainty and substantiated ALARP arguments rather than reproducing supporting documents.
- 202631 Mar
Source control planning and procedures information paper
This information paper sets out regulatory expectations for offshore loss-of-well-control preparedness across environment plans, well operations management plans and safety cases. It covers capping-stack selection and deployment, relief-well design and dynamic kill analysis, plume modelling, subsea dispersant supply, water-column monitoring, response-time modelling, coordinated operations and readiness exercises.
- 202631 Mar
Well integrity control measures and performance standards guidance note
Guidance for developing and implementing well operation management plans addresses selection, assessment and assurance of well-integrity controls throughout the lifecycle. It explains links between risk assessment and measurable performance standards, periodic effectiveness reviews, functional testing, procedural assurance, contingency measures and relief-well planning, with quality checks for documented control performance.
- 202611 Mar
Loss of propulsion in heavy weather experienced by the passenger vessel Spirit of Discovery, leading to over 100 injuries and one fatality
Investigation of Spirit of Discovery’s repeated propulsion losses in heavy weather in the Bay of Biscay. It examines pod overspeed protection, automatic pod parking, weather routing, furniture securing and medical response. Violent vessel motion injured 115 passengers; one passenger sustained a spinal injury and died four days later.
- 20262 Mar
Environmental Alert 002/2026
OPRED sets out interim expectations for oil pollution emergency planning for wells disconnected from offshore installations and lacking in-situ response capability. Responsible Persons are expected to demonstrate effective response arrangements without claiming unavailable offshore resources. Existing onshore plans submitted at OPRED’s request require no changes until further notice.
- 2026Mar
Personal Safety (USCG)
US Coast Guard inspection questions address personnel safety on manned and unmanned OCS platforms. They link protective equipment, housekeeping, deck guarding, lifesaving provision, escape arrangements and emergency drills to regulatory authorities and enforcement actions. Individual entries carry update labels, including March 2026 changes to escape and survival equipment checks.
- 202613 Feb
Small engine room fire – flammable object ignited
A small flammable foreign object ignited during post-drydock engine load testing. The crew stopped the engine, isolated fuel and extinguished the fire; nobody was injured. The flash identifies poor housekeeping and absent post-maintenance checks, emphasising machinery-space cleanliness, checks before load testing and regular emergency drills.
- 20265 Feb
Collision between the crude oil tanker Apache and the stern trawler Serinah (GH 116)
Investigates the collision of Apache and Serinah in the Firth of Clyde and the trawler’s subsequent flooding and sinking. Examines inadequate avoiding action, watchkeeping competence, navigation equipment, traffic monitoring and assistance after collision. All three fishing crew survived uninjured; recommendations address navigational training and understanding fishing vessel behaviour.
- 202629 Jan
Flooding and foundering of stern trawler Opportune (LK 209)
Investigation of Opportune’s foundering east of Lerwick following uncontrolled engine-room flooding. Seawater pipework failure was considered the most likely cause, but remained unconfirmed. The report examines pipework inspection, inaccessible sea inlet valves, lack of remote bilge-pump operation and flood preparedness. All eight crew were rescued uninjured from liferafts.
- 2026
Fit testing respiratory protective equipment for escape and emergency response on offshore installations
Guidance on face-fit testing respiratory protection for offshore escape and emergency response teams. It distinguishes tight-fitting breathing apparatus from escape equipment that does not require fit testing, and addresses risk assessment, clean-shaven policies, prompt donning and training. Dutyholders are advised to review escape provision and ensure emergency responders receive required fit testing.
- 202518 Dec
BSEE: Anchor-handling causes damage to subsea equipment and triggers gas release
An anchor wire snagged a subsea well during recovery by a dive support vessel, subsequently detaching an annulus valve and releasing gas. The flash summarises BSEE findings on inadequate planning, coordination and emergency preparation, with recommendations for consideration covering readiness checks, change management, communication and current-aware anchor-handling plans.
- 202518 Dec
Man overboard in port: Seaman falls from quay access ladder
A seaman climbing a damaged quay access ladder became distracted by moving mooring lines, lost balance and fell onto the gunwale before entering the water. Recovery was achieved without serious injury. The flash highlights continued use of defective access, concentration, stop-work intervention and consideration of quayside conditions in task planning.
- 202510 Dec
Application of oil spill modelling in Environment Plans
Information paper on applying stochastic and deterministic oil spill modelling in offshore petroleum Environment Plans. It discusses input quality, non-mandatory exposure values for four oil phases, environmental consequence evaluation, response resources and monitoring preparedness. It distinguishes combined stochastic boundaries from individual spill footprints and addresses uncertainty and presentation of results.
- 202510 Dec
Qualifications of medical personnel on offshore facilities guidance note
Guidance on qualifications and competency assurance for medical personnel at offshore petroleum facilities. It sets out legislative duties, recommended remote healthcare experience and a risk-based approach to staffing. It discusses telemedicine, multiple-casualty resources, diving medical support and additional measures where dedicated medical personnel may be impracticable.
- 20254 Dec
BSEE Safety Alert - 510 - Blackout and Weather-Driven EDS Incidents Underscore the Need for Stronger Operational Discipline
This alert examines two emergency disconnects on a dynamically positioned drillship: a blackout during damper maintenance involving the wrong control panel, and loss of position during severe weather. Both resulted in pollution. Recommendations invite operators to consider clearer controls, competence verification, closed-loop communication and proactive weather-related operational adjustments.
- 20254 Dec
Fire in the engine room – fuel spray fire
Fuel sprayed onto hot surfaces of a starboard main engine after maintenance left return-pipe bolts missing and protective barriers absent. Crew extinguished the fire without injuries or pollution, but water mist failed and shutdown actions were delayed. Lessons emphasise post-maintenance checks, splash protection and familiarity with emergency equipment.
- 20254 Dec
Vessel ran aground
A vessel grounded in a narrow channel at low tide during a short voyage, then refloated without damage, injury or pollution. The flash examines shortcomings in passage planning and watchkeeping, including bridge distractions and overconfidence in familiar waters. Lessons emphasise approved passage plans, briefings, tidal knowledge and under-keel clearance.
- 2025Dec
Office PINC List
An office compliance checklist pairs regulatory questions with cited authorities and enforcement codes. It covers operational approvals, structural records, financial security, well-control competence, spill preparedness, drilling and decommissioning. Further checks address pipeline maintenance and reporting, reservoir conservation, production measurement, and geological and geophysical permits and data submissions.
- 202521 Nov
Emergency planning guidance note
Guidance on emergency planning and safety-case requirements for offshore petroleum facilities. It addresses command arrangements, team competence, medical provision, equipment assurance, communications, evacuation analysis and emergency shutdown. It distinguishes regulatory obligations from suggested approaches and explains performance standards, drills, review and management of planning changes.
- 20257 Nov
Smoke in the battery room
A vessel alongside experienced smoke from overheated nickel-cadmium batteries supplying a DP-system UPS. Crews isolated circuits and removed batteries for cooling, without injury or escalation. The flash examines uncertain causes, restricted cabinet access and incomplete records, highlighting battery inventories, detection, emergency training and installation improvements.
- 202530 Oct
Supporting safety studies guidance note
Guidance explains supporting studies for facility safety cases, covering fire and explosion risk analysis, smoke and gas impairment, evacuation, escape and rescue, and emergency-system survivability. It distinguishes regulatory requirements from recommendations and discusses systematic assessment, modelling assumptions, control performance and evidence that risks are reduced as low as reasonably practicable.
- 202527 Oct
On a more positive note…
Fleet visits identified positive safety practices, including an engaging bridge toolbox talk reinforcing stop-work authority before entry into a 500m zone. The flash highlights well-organised inspection and maintenance of life-saving equipment, advance preparation of firefighting clothing and boots, and the importance of regular drills and crew training for emergency readiness.
- 20252 Oct
USCG: Lithium-Ion battery system installations
Summarises USCG advice following a lithium-ion battery bank fire on a passenger vessel caused by overheated, loosely crimped lugs. Discusses thermal runaway, toxic off-gases and suppression difficulties, alongside engineering review, battery management, condition inspections, maintenance, crew competence and fire drills. No injuries and minimal vessel damage were reported.
- 202518 Sep
Auxiliary engine room fire on board the ro-ro cargo ship Finnmaster
Investigation of Finnmaster’s auxiliary engine room fire during departure from Hull. Partial fuel injection pump coupling failure and leaking hot exhaust preceded fuel hose failure and ignition. The report examines defective emergency power, incomplete carbon dioxide suppression, maintenance and supplier assurance, system testing and crew response. No injuries were reported.
- 202517 Sep
Uncoordinated Emergency Shutdown due to pipe failure
A tanker cargo discharge stopped when a duty AB activated emergency shutdown after observing a minor leak, without coordinating with the cargo control room. Copper tubing had failed through vibration fatigue. The flash describes revised shutdown procedures, coordination training and periodic vibration risk assessments, with tubing dampers or supports under consideration.
- 202514 Aug
Brazil: diver permanently disabled after decompression illness
A Brazilian diver suffered permanent disability following decompression illness after underwater inspection and maintenance at 26 m. The flash describes a malfunctioning hyperbaric chamber, delayed treatment elsewhere, and deficiencies in emergency planning, transport and communication. It highlights related IMCA guidance on therapeutic deck decompression chamber operations.
- 20256 Aug
Safety Bulletin - Competency for emergency response and high risk activities
NOPSEMA explains its ALARP position on competence for emergency response and high-risk work. It identifies recognised qualification frameworks, standards and seafarer certification as benchmarks, gives illustrative roles, and outlines operator training duties and safety-case requirements for workforce capability in normal, abnormal and emergency conditions.
- 202531 Jul
Dive chamber procedures and operations
A chamber operator began venting an outer lock while a diver remained inside following surface decompression diving. Recompression and treatment for omitted decompression followed; the diver remained asymptomatic. The flash examines assumptions, poor visibility and missing transfer checks, stressing diver signals and operator and supervisor verification before venting.
- 202528 Jul
Environment plan content requirements guidance note
Guidance on preparing environment plans for petroleum and greenhouse gas activities submitted to NOPSEMA. It explains environmental descriptions, impact and risk evaluation, acceptable levels and ALARP demonstrations, performance outcomes and standards, implementation systems, monitoring, oil pollution response testing, consultation and incident reporting.
- 20251 Jul
Environmental Alert 002/2025
OPRED reminds operators to review oil pollution emergency plans at least every five years and submit reviews through the CA Portal at least two months before the review period ends. Missed reviews or late submissions left operations without approved plans and prompted four formal investigations.
- 2025May
Know the signs of heat illness — Process Safety Beacon, May 2025
This bulletin uses a fatal heat-illness incident on a New York road construction project to explain workplace heat risks. It discusses dehydration, indoor heat exposure and heat retained by protective clothing, recommending frequent water intake, monitoring colleagues, gradual exposure and scheduling strenuous work for cooler periods where possible.
- 202529 Apr
Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) detected onboard vessel
A vessel-wide odour prompted crew to investigate with gas detectors but without respiratory protection. Hydrogen sulphide reached a measured 170 ppm in the Grease Trap room, entering through a dry drain trap. The flash examines sewage-system maintenance, incomplete procedures and risk assessment, and subsequent revisions to tank-flushing, drain-trap and emergency arrangements.
- 202516 Apr
Fatality following a fall from a wind turbine
A safety flash describes a fatal five-metre fall at Kilgallioch Wind Farm in Scotland, where the worker had not connected his harness to a fall arrest system. Inquiry recommendations address rehearsed rescue arrangements, suitable casualty stretchers and consideration of technology to warn colleagues when someone disconnects from fall protection.
- 202519 Mar
Crane cab fire caused by fridge
A fire destroyed a crane cab aboard a vessel alongside while no crane work was underway. An electrical fault in a small refrigerator was suspected. The flash highlights difficult firefighting access and suggests members may wish to check unattended powered appliances and identify restricted emergency-equipment access.
- 202527 Feb
Grounding and capsize of creel fishing vessel Lexi Rose with loss of 1 life
Investigation into the fatal grounding and capsize of Lexi Rose at Melrose Point. The report examines likely outboard lower-unit impact damage, loss of propulsion in swell, and constraints on single-handed emergency actions. It discusses distress radio use, anchoring limitations and the survival benefits of wearing a personal flotation device.
- 2025
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2025
A marine safety digest examining merchant, fishing and recreational vessel casualties, including collisions, groundings, fires, capsizes and people entering the water. Case lessons address navigation, mooring, towage, maintenance and emergency preparedness, with detailed discussion of flotation-device entanglement, battery charging, fuel hoses and vessel modifications. Reproduced bulletins and flyers provide further incident-specific learning.
- 202417 Dec
NTSB: diesel generator engine failure
An offshore supply vessel suffered diesel generator failure and an engine-room fire during post-maintenance sea trials. An incorrectly sized replacement main bearing reduced lubrication pressure to adjacent connecting rod bearings. Effective crew firefighting limited the spread. The flash stresses identifying and documenting removed component part numbers to support correct replacement selection.
- 202417 Dec
Structural failure of rescue boat
An unattended rescue boat failed structurally on its davit, dropping its hull into the sea without injuries. Excessive manual cranking forces, shock absorber maintenance and pressure issues, unclear instructions and unsuitable stowage were identified. Actions included inspections, torque-controlled cranking, davit modification and improved equipment acceptance arrangements.
- 202412 Dec
Engine room fire on board ro-ro passenger ferry Stena Europe
Investigation of Stena Europe’s engine room fire while approaching Fishguard. Pressurised fuel escaped from a flange joint and ignited on exposed exhaust surfaces. The report examines recurring leaks, incomplete flange modifications, deficient insulation, maintenance and reporting weaknesses, firefighting response, and thermal imaging for detecting hazardous hot spots.
- 202424 Oct
Positive: successful rescue of surfer on the open sea
A pilot boat crew rescued a distressed surfer at sea, using a megaphone to establish communication and a man-overboard ramp for boarding. The flash highlights prompt recognition and response, and recommends vigilant watchkeeping, emergency drills, clear communication protocols, safety-equipment checks and monitoring of weather and sea conditions.
- 202414 Oct
Fire in engine room
A vessel engine-room fire was most likely caused by a fuel leak following pipe misalignment during reassembly. Blocked detection tubing and drains, unavailable water-mist suppression and delayed ventilation shutdown contributed to escalation. The flash highlights correct assembly, regular inspections, fire drills and checks of emergency procedures.
- 202414 Oct
Inappropriate automatic activation of fixed fire-fighting system
A harbour tug’s fixed engine-room firefighting system discharged all its gas after two blackouts within 24 hours. Activation was linked to a battery-voltage rise following a pilot-cylinder solenoid valve malfunction. Nobody was harmed. Lessons address electrical supply adequacy, emergency-system functionality and blackout drill protocols.
- 20243 Oct
Collision between pair trawlers Guiding Light and Guiding Star resulting in Guiding Star flooding and sinking
This investigation examines a collision during pair-trawler fish transfers south-east of Fair Isle, followed by Guiding Star’s flooding and sinking. It analyses unattended navigational controls, undocumented transfer practices, flooding limitations and emergency preparedness. Crew abandonment and recovery succeeded without serious injuries; recommendations address flooding awareness and accessible survival equipment.
- 202416 Jul
Emergency musters and drills
Two events highlight emergency alarm readiness and fire hazards at muster stations. A stuck emergency button delayed alarm activation during a drill, prompting questions about functional checks. In a separate event, a paper cup discarded with a burning cigarette butt in an ashtray caused smouldering and a small fire.
- 20242 Jul
Dropped halogen lamp caused small fire
During night-time painting aboard a vessel, wind gusts toppled a halogen lamp from scaffolding, igniting a board below. Nobody was injured; the lamp was destroyed and the board damaged. The flash highlights unattended equipment during breaks, stability checks, weather awareness and consideration of LED alternatives.
- 20243 Jun
Diver’s umbilical trapped during a pipeline flooding operation
A saturation diver’s umbilical became trapped between pipelines when a newly laid line shifted during flooding, interrupting breathing gas. Another diver supplied pneumo gas and helped free the umbilical. The flash examines pipeline configuration, tidal current and umbilical routing, emphasising assessment of existing conditions and management of changing variables.
- 202422 May
Engine failure and subsequent engine room fire
A diesel generator failed catastrophically aboard an offshore-working vessel, ejecting components and starting an engine-room fire. Nobody was harmed. The flash reviews effective Hi-Fog suppression, protective equipment and emergency leadership, and recommends procedural familiarity and revised response communications. It also suggests thermal imaging support and fire-station booklets.
- 202422 May
Grounding of roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry Alfred
Investigation of Alfred’s grounding at Swona Island on 5 July 2022, which injured 41 people. The master almost certainly fell asleep while steering close inshore. Analysis examines passage planning, ECDIS use, bridge staffing, fatigue management, emergency response and vehicle securing, alongside shortcomings in audits and surveys.
- 202416 Apr
Lone worker collapsed at onshore site
A lone worker at an onshore workshop collapsed because of a pre-existing, non-work-related medical condition and was discovered the following day. The flash examines delayed alarm raising and absent personnel tracking, highlighting lone-working risk assessment, medical screening, health surveillance and consideration of automatic fall alarms.
- 202427 Mar
USCG: hazard from discarded munitions
This flash relays a US Coastguard alert about discarded munitions in coastal waters. A clamming-vessel deckhand suffered severe burns after a canister, likely containing mustard gas or another blistering agent, came aboard. Recommendations cover checking charts, avoiding marked dumping areas, recording encounters and reporting unexploded munitions.
- 202419 Mar
Security: Illegal boarding – theft while the vessel at anchor
A knife-armed intruder boarded an anchored vessel in Luanda, Angola, and fled by skiff after a security patrol raised the alarm. The flash examines boarding vulnerabilities and unimplemented precautions, highlighting security briefings, coordination with nearby vessels and port control, radar vigilance and consideration of improved access barriers.
- 202419 Feb
Vessel damaged in contact with platform
A crew transfer vessel struck a fixed platform after its port inner main engine remained driving forward. Worn carbon brushes caused the propulsion actuator to freeze. Control was regained too late to prevent wheelhouse damage; nobody was injured. Actions included fleet motor checks, revised maintenance arrangements and renewed emphasis on loss-of-power drills.
- 202412 Feb
US BSEE: Are your emergency procedures and equipment good enough?
This flash summarises BSEE inspection findings at offshore sites in the Gulf of Mexico, highlighting weaknesses in medical evacuation, emergency plans, supplies, drills and rescue equipment. Evacuation reports showed an average 6.8 hours to reach medical facilities. Recommendations address procedure updates, crew awareness and equipment inventory checks.
- 20248 Feb
Fall overboard from fishing vessel Eder Sands with loss of 1 life
Investigates a fatal fall overboard during net shooting west of Ireland. The report examines unguarded working positions, undocumented procedures and inadequate risk assessments. Lifejacket trials support the probable loss of a loosely fitted lifejacket. Recommendations address flotation-device suitability, correct wearing, vessel-specific procedures and consideration of personal locator beacons.
- 202422 Jan
UK MAIB: Deep fat fryer fire
A shipboard galley fire followed restoration of power to two deep fat fryers drained for cleaning. Overheated elements ignited fat-saturated food residues before thermal protection disconnected power. Crew extinguished the fire without damage or injury. Lessons address lockout/tagout, equipment readiness, electrical supply checks and practised emergency response.
- 202410 Jan
Australian dispersant acceptance processes information paper
This information paper compares chemical dispersant acceptance for maritime and offshore petroleum spill response in Australian Commonwealth waters. It explains AMSA product registration and incident-specific approval, alongside NOPSEMA acceptance through environment plans. It discusses surface and subsea application, environmental trade-offs, and activity-specific efficacy and toxicity evaluation.
- 202410 Jan
Considerations for five-year environment plan revisions
This information paper advises petroleum titleholders preparing five-year environment plan revisions for long-term offshore activities. It addresses legislative changes, activity scope, subsea maintenance and decommissioning, spill prevention and response, emissions reduction, consultation and environmental monitoring. It explains expectations for demonstrating ALARP, acceptable impacts and measurable environmental performance.
- 202410 Jan
Environment plan decision making guideline
This guideline explains how NOPSEMA assesses environment plans against statutory acceptance criteria. It addresses proportionate environmental assessment, supported arguments for reducing impacts and risks, acceptable levels, performance monitoring, implementation strategies and consultation. It also outlines administrative decision-making principles and restrictions concerning protected places and threatened species.
- 202410 Jan
Operational and scientific monitoring programs information paper
Information paper on designing and implementing monitoring after offshore petroleum spills, with emphasis on scientific assessment and environmental baselines. It addresses impact and reference sites, indicator selection, contaminant bioavailability, statistical design, analytical quality assurance, mobilisation readiness and monitoring triggers. Appendices examine ecological receptors, toxicity testing and source fingerprinting.
- 2024
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2024
This marine accident digest presents lessons from merchant shipping, commercial fishing and recreational craft incidents. Cases examine pilot ladders, navigation, mooring machinery, suspended loads, falls and recovery from the water. Reproduced bulletins and flyers address RIB passenger injuries, dredging-chain failures, fire-extinguishing systems and flotation-device suitability.
- 202321 Dec
KMCO LLC Fatal Fire and Explosion
Investigation of the fatal isobutylene explosion and fire at KMCO’s Crosby facility. Metallurgical testing established pressure-driven brittle fracture of a cast-iron y-strainer. The report examines thermal-expansion hazards, manual versus remote isolation, emergency-response roles and alarm use, identifying weaknesses in hazard evaluation and response that contributed to the incident and its severity.
- 202314 Dec
BSEE Safety Alert 478 - Inadequately Maintained Electrical Connections and Compromised Wiring Integrity (6)
This alert examines three electrical incidents involving a loose generator cable connection, damaged heat-trace insulation with improper grounding, and rainwater ingress into generator wiring. It recommends that operators consider routine maintenance, training, emergency-response rehearsals, improved cable procedures, lockout/tagout reinforcement and periodic infrared inspections.
- 202311 Dec
Foundation Food Group Fatal Chemical Release
Investigation of a fatal liquid nitrogen overflow at Foundation Food Group’s poultry plant. A deformed bubbler tube disabled freezer level control and overflow protection, producing an oxygen-deficient room atmosphere. The report examines design dependencies, missing monitoring and ventilation, emergency preparedness, process safety management and regulatory gaps.
- 20236 Dec
Didion Milling Company Explosion and Fire
CSB investigates fatal combustible corn dust explosions at Didion’s Cambria mill. It examines propagation through interconnected dust collectors and pneumatic conveying systems, secondary explosions and building collapses. Comparative mill teardown, dust testing and explosion modelling support analysis of deficient safeguards, change management, housekeeping, emergency preparedness and regulatory oversight.
- 20236 Dec
NTSB: Lithium-ion battery fire destroys vessel bridge
This safety flash summarises an NTSB investigation into a tanker bridge fire while alongside. Probable cause was thermal runaway in a handheld radio’s lithium-ion battery. It describes prompt crew firefighting, absent bridge fire detection, extensive equipment damage and precautions concerning battery care, charging, sourcing and fire containment.
- 202327 Nov
Compressed air rather than oxygen supplied to divers
This safety flash describes divers receiving compressed air instead of oxygen through their built-in breathing system, with two decompression illnesses reported. It examines incorrect gas-quad identification, missing oxygen-fraction checks and an analyser coverage gap. Lessons address supplier oversight, technical competence, investigation training and gas-management verification.
- 20239 Nov
Safety Alert 472 - Tote Tank Drain Nozzles Pose Leak Hazard
Two Gulf of Mexico lifting incidents illustrate how protruding tote-tank drain nozzles can strike nearby objects, causing diesel spillage or a cracked weld and minor leak. BSEE recommends considering nozzle positioning, clear transport paths, protective guards, conditional drain securing or nozzle removal, conspicuous marking and spill-response provisions.
- 202330 Oct
Fire in ROV workshop
A rechargeable flashlight headset left charging unattended on a UPS supply was involved in a fire in an ROV workshop. The flash describes effective crew communications and fire response, alongside recommendations on electrical equipment condition, supplier selection, charging surfaces, disconnection after charging and communicating portable-device charging hazards.
- 202320 Oct
BSEE Identifies Medical Evacuation and Emergency Hazards During Risk-Based Inspections
BSEE inspections identified deficiencies in offshore medical evacuation arrangements, supplies, emergency plans and drills. Findings included inaccessible defibrillators, unsuitable Stokes litters, obstructed escape routes and helideck concerns. The alert recommends operators and contractors consider procedure reviews, supply checks, realistic drills and assessment of medical response times.
- 202316 Oct
Fire in the laundry room
An industrial tumble dryer fire was extinguished while personnel were mustering. The flash identifies maintenance changes and absent laundry smoke detection as causes, and describes possible particulate transport through heating elements. Actions address recognised equipment standards, compatible spare parts and review of fire and smoke detection.
- 20233 Oct
Emergency Response – Version 3 October 2023
An offshore inspection guide for assessing dutyholder emergency arrangements and rating performance. It examines emergency planning, command, communications, muster, evacuation, escape and recovery, distinguishing escape provision from evacuation capacity. Detailed checks address survival-craft capacity, familiarisation, maintenance, emergency lighting and compatibility of protective equipment.
- 2023Sep
Manage risk of damage to grating systems (walkways and deck areas) on offshore installations during rig moves
This alert addresses damage or displacement of offshore walkway and deck gratings during rig moves, including adverse weather and wave impact. It calls for assessment across operating modes, regular inspection and maintenance, competent personnel, fatigue controls and emergency arrangements for missing persons or people overboard.
- 202314 Aug
MODU mooring systems in cyclonic conditions information paper
This information paper examines cyclonic mooring risks for mobile offshore drilling units. It discusses site-specific design return periods, met-ocean and seabed inputs, component degradation, installation assurance and change management. Operational guidance covers line-tension management, inspection performance standards, emergency preparedness and consideration of position monitoring during cyclone evacuation.
- 202324 Jul
Restricted air supply to diver
A diver recovery drill was aborted after uneven basket recovery strained and kinked a standby diver’s umbilical, restricting his main air supply and prompting bailout. Both divers reached the surface safely. The flash identifies communication, planning and supervision shortcomings, and emphasises umbilical management and incorporating incident learning into procedures.
- 20235 Jul
Lack of Uninterruptible Power Supply
Three offshore production incidents illustrate uninterruptible power supply failures affecting emergency power, communications and process controls. The alert examines capacitor damage, battery overcharging, inadequate maintenance instructions and outdated drawings. It recommends operators consider maintenance and testing programmes, thermal scanning, redundancy and emergency response arrangements for power loss.
- 202329 Jun
Watson Grinding Fatal Explosion and Fire
Investigation of the Houston propylene explosion that killed two employees and a nearby resident. It examines a degraded, poorly crimped hose, inconsistent supply isolation and non-functional automated safeguards. Findings address process safety management, change assessment, emergency preparedness and regulatory exclusions; lighting activation is identified as the likely ignition event.
- 202312 Jun
MAIB: High pressure oil leak causes a fire in the engine room
A vessel’s gearbox temperature probe was expelled by oil at 25 bar, spraying the engine room and igniting oil-soaked exhaust lagging. Crew contained the fires with foam. The flash identifies an insufficiently tightened compression fitting, describes a redesigned probe housing, and emphasises emergency preparedness and closer monitoring after construction or dry docking.
- 202322 May
Unexpected H2S Detection at Offshore Facilities
This alert summarises unexpected hydrogen sulphide detections at offshore facilities producing from fields classified as H2S absent. Cases involve production equipment, cargo tanks, defoamer transfer and ballast-tank cleaning. BSEE recommends considering atmospheric testing, stagnant-tank inspections, crew drills, routine sampling and risk assessments addressing bacterial generation of the gas.
- 202316 May
Fire alarm activation in engine room
A supply vessel experienced a small engine-room fire with no injuries and little damage. Bearing failure produced smoke, while remote CO2 activation failed and the cement compartment appeared to lack a discharge point. The flash highlights unreported sensor inconsistencies, crew practice and accurate documentation of firefighting system limitations.
- 2023May
Hydrogen Sulfide
Regulatory inspection questions address areas classified as hydrogen sulphide present or unknown. They cover contingency plans, training, drills, gas detection, respiratory protection, ventilation and medical equipment. Further checks address soluble sulphide testing, well-control fluid treatment, flaring, detector testing intervals and corrosion-resistant materials during well and production operations.
- 2023May
Risk to offshore installation mooring lines outside 500m safety zone
This safety notice addresses trawling and navigation risks to floating offshore installation moorings beyond 500 m safety zones. It describes collisions and fishing-gear snagging despite warnings, and calls for clear information on mooring spreads and conditional snagging hazards, alongside review of collision risk management and emergency response arrangements.
- 202324 Apr
Bio Lab Conyers Chemical Release
Investigation of Hurricane Laura damage, chemical decomposition, chlorine release and fire at Bio-Lab’s Louisiana facility. It examines hurricane preparedness, process hazard analysis, structural damage, fire-water reliability and regulatory coverage of reactive chemicals. Appendices analyse separate Conyers decomposition events and provide structural and fire-protection consultant reviews.
- 202324 Apr
Bio-Lab Lake Charles Chemical Fire and Release
Investigation of hurricane-related chemical decomposition, fire and chlorine release at Bio-Lab’s Louisiana manufacturing facility. It examines building resilience, process hazard analysis follow-through, deficient fire protection and emergency equipment readiness, alongside gaps in reactive-hazard regulation. Appendices include structural and fire-code assessments and separate Conyers decomposition incidents.
- 202327 Feb
Near miss: Foreign body in diver’s helmet, resulting in fall of gas pressure
A diver at 18 m experienced reduced breathing gas pressure. Bailout gas did not resolve the problem, but free flow restored suitable pressure. A plastic shard from a broken cleaning pot was found in the helmet regulator. The flash highlights pre-dive checks, cleanliness and the member’s introduction of spray bottles.
- 202311 Jan
Lost ROV incident
An ROV became trapped in a platform jacket during routine inspection in strong tidal current. Tether damage interrupted power and telemetry; subsequent recovery failed and the vehicle was lost. The flash identifies inadequate recovery procedures, understaffing and premature beacon battery exhaustion, and records procedural revisions and a current display added to the pilot interface.
- 2023
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 72 (Autumn 2023)
This maritime digest examines an averted mooring-line failure, a lithium-ion battery cargo fire, contractor fatigue, a diver’s propeller injury, tanker engine-control difficulties and a fisher’s overboard rescue. It discusses mooring design, dangerous-goods packing, rest arrangements, diver visibility, emergency teamwork and personal rescue equipment, alongside two improper cargo-stowage reports.
- 2023
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 2 (Spring 2023)
Six superyacht reports examine authority gradients, guest distractions and safety culture through a deck slip, navigational near misses, tender lifting failure, towing capsize and lithium-ion battery fire. Commentary discusses constructive challenge, safe access, inspection limitations, lifejackets, emergency communications and fire response, contrasting weak practices with effective crew action.
- 2023
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2023
A multi-case marine safety digest draws lessons from navigation incidents, fires, falls, cargo lifting, mooring injuries and fishing casualties. Case analyses examine communication, electrical work, lifejacket use and recovery arrangements. Reproduced bulletins and flyers address fuel-hose modifications, liferaft servicing, carbon monoxide poisoning and fatal man-overboard incidents.
- 2023
Standards for offshore helicopter landing areas (Version 9.1, 7 January 2026; publisher status Current)
Sets criteria for offshore helicopter landing areas on installations and vessels, alongside wind-turbine winching arrangements. Covers structural loading, obstacle protection, surface friction testing, lighting, motion monitoring, meteorological reporting, rescue and fire-fighting, fuel-system design and maintenance, and passenger preparation. The January 2026 amendment introduces arrangements for temporary safety-critical equipment unserviceability.
- 202221 Dec
MAIB: Engine room fire flashover
A ferry engine-compartment fire was initially controlled by sealing the space and activating fixed carbon dioxide suppression. After berthing, a fire officer opened the hatch without liaising with the crew, causing rapid reignition and severe damage. Lessons emphasise communication and keeping the compartment sealed until external deckhead temperatures reach ambient levels.
- 20228 Nov
Failure of moorings during heavy weather
A drill ship preparing for lay-up broke its moorings in storm-force winds and drifted until a pre-deployed anchor held. The flash identifies delayed thruster availability, failure to request tug assistance and planning shortcomings. Recommendations address timely thruster starting, improved mooring plans, emergency response and lay-up procedures.