Activity
Cargo Transfer
Transfer of cargo between vessels, installations or shore.
Newest 100 Documents
All 273 in search- 202626 Mar
Fatal accident to a crew member on board the roll-on/roll-off cargo vessel Laureline
Investigates a crew member’s fatal crushing between a reversing trailer and Laureline’s structure during cargo operations at Purfleet. CCTV review and scene inspection informed analysis of driver–crew communication, danger-zone definitions, training and supervision. The report examines procedural weaknesses, subsequent safety actions and recommendations for an industry vehicle-deck code of practice.
- 20254 Dec
Dropped pallet during cargo transfer
A plastic pallet carrying lubricant drums tipped and fell during a barge-to-vessel lift at an anchorage, rupturing drums and spilling oil on deck without injury or structural damage. The flash examines inadequate securing, procedural non-compliance and crew coordination, and describes improved load checks, secondary securing, toolbox meetings and supervision.
- 202527 Oct
Japan Transport Safety Board: two confined space fatalities
An IMCA flash summarises a Japanese bulk-carrier incident in which two stevedores collapsed during unloading; one died and one was seriously injured. Low oxygen and elevated carbon dioxide were likely linked to palm kernel shell fermentation. It highlights absent atmospheric testing, inadequate work controls and recommendations for training and cargo risk profiling.
- 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.
- 202516 May
Unintended Cargo collision during lifting operations
During vessel-to-vessel backloading, sudden rolling disrupted cargo positioning and the load struck adjacent cargo on the receiving deck. Limited clearance, inadequate load stabilisation and delayed communication contributed. The flash highlights toolbox talks, assessment of vessel movement risks, improved coordination and readiness to stop work.
- 202516 Apr
UK HSE: Risk of collision with offshore installations from attendant vessels
This safety flash summarises five vessel collisions with offshore installations and wind turbines reported in an HSE notice. Cases examine distracted watchkeeping, restricted visibility, dynamic positioning limitations and bridge communication. Recommendations address watchkeeping procedures, bridge resource management, alarm operation, attendant-vessel monitoring and consideration of sailing audits.
- 202520 Mar
Fatal accident on board bulk carrier Berge Mawson with loss of 3 lives
MAIB investigates three stevedore deaths in Berge Mawson’s coal cargo hold access space. The report considers a fatal atmospheric mechanism highly likely, while noting that medical causes were unconfirmed. It examines pre-entry gas testing, permits, access security, warning comprehension, training and rescue arrangements during cargo operations.
- 2025Mar
Risk of collision with offshore installations from attendant vessels
HSE safety notice examines five vessel collisions involving offshore installations and wind turbines. Cases highlight distracted watchkeeping, lost situational awareness, environmental conditions and poor bridge communication. Recommended reviews cover watchkeeping instructions, bridge resource management, navigational alarms and vessel monitoring, with consideration of sailing audits to identify operational bad practice.
- 202427 Nov
NTSB: Crane wire failure
This safety flash recounts a crane wire failure during offloading of a 69-tonne wind turbine nacelle into a cargo vessel’s hold. Undetected corrosion and strand-wire wear were the probable cause. It explains how grease concealed corrosion despite routine inspections and maintenance, and highlights inspection requirements and condition-dependent wire replacement intervals.
- 202411 Nov
Snagging hazards
Two unrelated snagging incidents involved a cargo container catching on a deck light guard and a lifejacket strap engaging a tug’s anchor clutch. Slings parted in the first case; the anchor chain parted in the second. Lessons address visibility, crew communication, winch pre-use inspections and adequately sized clutch securing pins.
- 20247 Nov
Crush incident on board ro-ro cargo vessel Clipper Pennant with loss of 1 life
Investigates the fatal crushing of a bosun during semi-trailer loading aboard Clipper Pennant in Liverpool. Reconstructions examined restricted driver visibility and trailer positioning. Analysis addresses unsafe corner-stowage workarounds, a walkway inside the vehicle lane, conflicting duties, inadequate risk assessments and ineffective incident learning, with recommendations for coordinated vehicle-deck procedures and driver standards.
- 202429 Aug
Dropped object during cable trans-spooling
During cable trans-spooling ashore, a failed connection bolt released a 5.7 kg roller, which fell 8 m and struck a worker’s shoulder. The flash examines inadequate risk assessments, missing secondary retention, changed offloading arrangements and uncommunicated cable wax, emphasising management of change and better communication.
- 202431 Jul
Dropped object: unsecured cargo inside box broke lose and fell
A safety flash describes unsecured cargo falling approximately 5 m onto a vessel deck during a quayside lift. A loose hydraulic ram broke its crate and destabilised the pallet assembly. Nobody was injured. Recommendations address cargo securing, competent inspection, trained lifting crews, pallet limitations and wind checks.
- 202418 Jun
Swinging load after loss of position
During backloading of an empty refrigerated container, a Pipe Supply Vessel lost position and the load swung uncontrollably. Wind gusts, thruster wash and loss of a thruster DP signal contributed. Nobody was harmed and equipment was undamaged. Lessons address vessel-to-vessel operational limits, cargo-lifting procedures and adherence to ASOGs.
- 202419 Feb
USCG: wire rope hazard management – dropped turbine nacelle
A vessel crane’s wire rope failed during offloading, dropping a 69-ton wind turbine nacelle 2.2 m onto the deck near personnel. Corrosion, wear and monotonic ductile overload were identified. The flash relays USCG recommendations on load testing, lubrication, maintenance tracking, earlier rope renewal, visual inspection and crane-operator training.
- 20236 Dec
UK MAIB: Shifting of centre-of-gravity of load
A banksman suffered crush injuries when an unbalanced container swung during unloading from a research vessel in port. Improperly secured cargo and unevenly stowed weights affected the load’s centre of gravity. The flash discusses load distribution in lift planning, escape routes, and rigging arrangements for lifting unbalanced loads vertically.
- 202329 Aug
Fatality during transfer of pipes
This safety flash reports a fatality during pipework transfer between a quay and a vessel, with local authorities still investigating. It highlights suspended-load exposure, crush areas and sudden load movement, and recommends access barriers, securing loads against rolling and controlled drop zones adjusted for possible deflection.
- 20231 May
Recent Tagline Entanglements Result in Several high Potential Near Misses
BSEE describes four offshore lifting near misses in which workers became entangled in taglines and were lifted with loads, without injury. Operators and contractors are asked to consider safer tagline selection and handling, hands-free retrieval tools, clear work areas, agreed crane signals and job safety analysis of tagline hazards.
- 20228 Nov
MAIB: mv Teal Bay mooring fatality
This flash summarises MAIB findings on a fatal mooring-line strike aboard Teal Bay during ship-to-ship grain loading. It examines open fairlead containment, increasing lead angles, insufficient crewing and planning, and delayed medical response. Actions include crew training and planned replacement of open fairleads; remote investigation constrained available evidence.
- 202214 Jul
Mooring deck accident on general cargo vessel Teal Bay with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal mooring deck accident aboard Teal Bay during ship-to-ship grain loading at Kavkaz South anchorage. A tensioned spring line escaped an open roller fairlead during warping. The report examines upward line leads, shared fairlead use, insufficient crewing, planning and risk assessment, and delays in coordinating medical evacuation.
- 202220 Jun
Fire at sea – some timely reminders (Safety4Sea)
This safety flash reproduces Safety4Sea excerpts on shipboard fire risks involving fuel oil leakage, electrical devices, flammable cargo and hot work. It highlights hot-surface insulation above 220 °C, removal of defective equipment, package marking and labelling, and preparation of hot-work areas with an agreed written plan.
- 2022Jun
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 67
Maritime incident reports examine risk acceptance through undocking damage, unsafe access over timber cargo, power and detection failures, collisions, cargo-control distraction, grounding, sinking and boiler repair. Commentary addresses testing, isolation, familiarisation and challenge culture. Additional material describes tug-use training and a pilot-boarding safety checklist.
- 20224 May
MSF: Manual Handling Injury During Bulk Hose Operations
A crewman sprained his right calf while connecting a bulk hose aboard a vessel. Residual liquid, manifold angle and rigid hose-end fittings made handling awkward. The flash discusses reducing connections, draining hoses and proposed improvements to manifold arrangements and hose-draining procedures.
- 20224 May
Riggers injured while disconnecting rigging
Three riggers were injured while disconnecting timber-pad rigging on a nearshore cargo barge. Unexpected vessel movements tensioned the slings, striking an arm and two workers’ hands. The flash identifies insufficient slack and premature disconnection, emphasising allowance for vessel motion, supervisor instructions and consideration of leaving rigging attached.
- 202221 Apr
Communications: LTI finger injury during lifting operations
A rigger suffered a crushed ring finger requiring fingertip amputation during vessel demobilisation, when hoisting began with a hook still attached to a container lifting eye. The flash examines disputed hand signals, inadequate lift planning, unclear banksman responsibilities and unsuitable glove impact ratings, recommending clearer communication and documented demobilisation planning.
- 20221 Apr
MSF: Unsafe Cargo Transfer Using Pallets
Two pallet cargo-transfer incidents involved deck-board failure under lifting-strop tension and a box falling after a pallet contacted nearby gangway slings. The flash identifies missed hazards in planning, risk assessment and toolbox talks, explains pallet load-distribution limitations, and recommends securing all lifted items.
- 202210 Feb
NTSB: Failure to disconnect and secure vehicle batteries led to fire
This safety flash summarises NTSB findings on the June 2020 Höegh Xiamen fire in Jacksonville. An improperly disconnected vehicle battery caused an electrical fault. Ineffective loading oversight, delayed fire detection and delayed carbon dioxide suppression are discussed, alongside actions addressing training, detection-system reactivation and emergency contact availability.
- 20212 Dec
Crew member stopped unsafe cargo operations
A Second Officer stopped third-party dock-to-vessel cargo lifting after observing an uncoloured wire set and a metal cargo box without valid certification marks. Requested assurance was not provided, so the cargo remained on the quay and was quarantined. The flash highlights stop-work authority, knowledge of colour coding and equipment checks before lifting.
- 202118 Nov
MSF: Dropped object during cargo discharge operations
A sea fastening bracket weighing about 3 kg fell from a generator’s forklift pocket onto a quayside trailer during cargo discharge using a mobile shore crane. The flash identifies missed dropped-object sweeps and poor lower tween-deck lighting, and records renewed crew communication about sweeps and possible vigilance lessons for repetitive work.
- 20214 Nov
Safety warning about crushing injuries in stowage spaces after the loss of 1 life on ro-ro ferry Clipper Pennant
This bulletin presents initial findings following a bosun’s fatal crushing during semi-trailer loading aboard Clipper Pennant in Liverpool. It highlights restricted escape space beside the vessel’s structure and advises operators to review cargo procedures, assess and mark hazardous stowage spaces, and align crew briefings with vehicle-deck guidance.
- 202115 Oct
Line of fire near miss – almost a head injury
During cable trans-spooling between a vessel and barge, a tensioned messenger rope climbed out of a chute and struck a crew member’s helmet. A similar near miss followed three weeks later. Lessons address differing spooling speeds, cable tension, communication, change assessment, stopping work and enclosing chutes.
- 202122 Sep
Crush incident on general cargo vessel Cimbris with loss of 1 life
MAIB investigates a stevedore’s fatal crushing during hatch-cover movement aboard Cimbris at Antwerp Bulk Terminal. The report examines restricted crane-operator visibility, the absence of a banksman, lifting arrangements and ship–shore coordination. It identifies weak safety cultures and records procedural changes and recommendations for the vessel manager and port labour federation.
- 202113 Sep
Yawing of wind turbine nacelle placed ship in line of fire
A turbine crew yawed a nacelle without communicating with the vessel bridge, placing a blade in the ship’s intended astern path after personnel and cargo transfers. The vessel moved clear without further event. Actions strengthened communication protocols and procedural controls, requiring positive confirmation that vessels were clear before nacelle movement.
- 202119 Aug
Lifting complex loads – offloading third party equipment
A rented cherry picker tilted against a vessel’s bulwarks during offloading in port, causing minor damage. The flash identifies shortcomings in crew handover, lift planning and supplier documentation, alongside a rigging clash. Actions address equipment-specific lift plans, certified rigging, vendor information and competent examination before use.
- 202112 Aug
Recent Uptick in Lifting Injuries due to Unrecognized Pinch Point Hazards
BSEE describes two lifting incidents involving a shifting Connex box and grating transferred to a motor vessel, causing arm injuries and partial finger amputation respectively. Operators and contractors are asked to consider clearer load-monitoring communication, pre-job reviews, boom positioning, adequate landing space, hands-free standards and continued tagline use.
- 202110 Aug
Miscommunication of Load Weight Leads to a Lifting High Potential Lifting Near Miss
A cargo lift exceeded the crane’s rated capacity after intercom miscommunication led to an incorrect manifest weight; the basket tag also showed its empty weight. Wire rope damage was subsequently found. BSEE recommends considering improved shipment coordination, load marking, weight verification, pre-lift rigging checks and inspection and testing of overloaded cranes.
- 202122 Jul
HSE: Catastrophic failure of marine loading arm
This flash summarises an HSE alert about a marine loading arm collapsing during positioning for connection to a ship. Bearing corrosion and inadequate inspection and maintenance were identified, with inaccessible servicing points left unlubricated. It outlines a structured programme for reviewing maintenance needs, inspecting structural components and verifying completed work.
- 202120 Jul
Cargo tank explosion and fire on chemical tanker Stolt Groenland
Investigation of the Stolt Groenland explosion and fire at Ulsan examines runaway styrene polymerisation following heat transfer through an intermediate cargo tank. It analyses inhibitor depletion, stowage planning, unused temperature monitoring and alarms, and onboard remedial limitations. Fire response and missed learning from the separate Stolt Focus incident are also considered.
- 202116 Jun
MSF: Potential dropped object
A metal plate was discovered in a container’s forklift pocket after transfer from a vessel to a platform. The flash describes a potentially life-threatening dropped object and suggests buckling may have allowed deck water to dislodge the plate. It calls for checks on plate condition, fit and securing.
- 202127 Apr
Potential dropped object from container
A safety flash describes two loose metal stacking guides discovered in a container’s upper corner pockets before backloading from rig to vessel, after two earlier lifts. It identifies potential injury during lifting and road transit, and records contrasting pin colours, additional container checks and a twist-lock recommendation.
- 20218 Apr
LTI during deck cargo operations
A crewman injured his right foot after instinctively holding lifting wires as vessel heave increased the crane-to-deck distance during pipe-bundle transfer. He let go from around almost a metre above deck and landed badly. The flash highlights discussing automatic responses to unexpected events through toolbox talks and risk assessment.
- 202111 Feb
MSF: Near miss – potential dropped object found on bundle of casing
A near miss during casing offloading from a supply vessel involved a 1.4 kg hook left on a bundle. The crew lowered the load and stopped work. The defective cargo-securing hook had not been quarantined; the flash identifies insufficient pre-lift checks, procedural failures and inadequate supervision and training.
- 20212 Feb
LTI: Stored energy – rigger injured leg working on quayside
A rigger suffered a significant lower-left-leg injury during night-time quayside lifting and vessel demobilisation. Identified factors included an accepted risky forklift method for moving slings, blocked walkways, restricted driver visibility, removed high-visibility clothing, reduced lighting, absent port induction and poorly controlled simultaneous activities. The flash encourages stopping work when required.
- 20215 Jan
Stop work authority enforced – unsafe conditions, no appropriate lifting gear available
A master cancelled a planned aviation fuel tank collection after finding the platform landing unsuitable for an AHTS vessel and appropriate heavy-lift gear unavailable. The flash highlights stakeholder communication, leadership by example and crew authority to stop operations when risks cannot be controlled to a reasonably practicable level.
- 20214 Jan
MSF: Cargo Snagging
A cargo basket snagged a heli-tank during offshore vessel lifting operations. The crane operator missed two stop calls before safely landing the tank and offloading the basket. No injuries or damage occurred. The flash highlights bridle stowage, deck-space planning, communication and failures to stop and report the incident.
- 202026 Nov
Crush incident on general cargo vessel Karina C with loss of 1 life
The supplied investigation annexes document Karina C’s hatch-cover gantry-crane risk assessments before and after an accident, alongside operating procedures and safety-management records. They address crushing exposure, crane movement, crew communication and training, and include dusty-cargo precautions, alcohol restrictions, incident reporting and fleet sharing of corrective actions.
- 202023 Oct
MSF: Grub screws and perished valves – trouble with methanol transfer
This flash describes unrecognised methanol discharge to sea during vessel cargo transfers. An incorrectly retained spool piece and passing valves allowed flow through the flushing line; a grub screw restricted one valve’s closure. Recommendations address recorded cargo receipt confirmation, transfer-system configuration checks and updating planned maintenance.
- 202028 Sep
Unsafe lifting operations
Two vessel lifting interventions concern a winch frame beneath scaffolding being dismantled and a metal structure offered for loading without available lifting certificates. The flash discusses conflicting activities, an unsafe partial-lifting and rolling method, weather-related haste, lift planning, equipment colour coding and checks before and after work.
- 202023 Sep
Safety Alert 393 - Adverse Weather and Sea Conditions Complicate Dynamic Lifts
This alert describes three Gulf of Mexico cargo-lifting incidents in April 2020 involving vessel motion, load impacts and worker injuries. It recommends considering dynamic-lift checklists and sling inspections, reassessing environmental conditions, reinforcing stop-work authority, supervising worker positioning and checking crane minimum hook speed against wave-related load movement.
- 202015 Sep
LTI: Leg Fractured While Loading Tubulars
A crewman fractured his leg when landed tubulars shifted after sling disconnection aboard a vessel in port. The flash identifies inadequate risk assessment and unchecked third-party bundling. It recommends agreed lift configurations, load inspection and supervision, and pins or chocks to prevent movement, while noting well-practised medical emergency procedures.
- 202014 Aug
Positive: STOP WORK by Master challenging Sailing Order
A platform supply vessel Master challenged sailing orders that conflicted with local requirements for loading radioactive cargo last and dispatching it first. After initial rejection by client logistics, escalation secured company management support. The flash highlights stop-work authority and subsequent collaboration to change the sailing order.
- 202031 Jul
Uncontrolled Descent of Crane Boom
A crane boom wire parted while casing was being offloaded from a supply vessel to a rig’s cantilever deck. The main deck crane was operating on a single whip line. The load and boom fell onto stacked casing; no personal injuries were reported.
- 202024 Jul
Cargo Ignited on Truck Bed During Transportation
A truck carrying materials from a warehouse to a vessel experienced a cargo fire, extinguished by the driver without injury or truck damage. The ignition source remained undetermined. Concerns included unsecured cargo, flammable hand sanitiser and inadequate segregation. Recommendations address packaging, securing, load integrity checks and eliminating potential ignition sources before travel.
- 202021 Jul
Loss of cargo containers overboard from container ship Ever Smart
Investigation into the loss of 42 containers from Ever Smart and damage to 34 others. It examines non-compliant stowage, container weight distribution, lashing arrangements and ship motion, alongside loading-computer warnings, heavy-weather navigation and equipment maintenance. The report attributes the collapse to a combination of factors.
- 20206 Jul
Leg entanglement from tag line during cargo operations
A safety flash describes an AB’s leg becoming entangled in a tag line as a container was lifted from a vessel alongside a rig. Another AB radioed for the load to be lowered. The account identifies limited situational awareness and omission of clear-deck policy from the cargo-operation risk assessment.
- 20206 Jul
MSF: Potential dropped objects – nets or tarps to cover cargo?
A wooden baton found beneath a cargo basket prompted assessment of covers for open-topped cargo carrying units. The flash discusses unsecured tarpaulin supports and risks when removing them before crane lifting. It recommends risk assessment of cover choices, including cargo exposure and manual handling, and consideration of cord strap instead of wooden batons.
- 20206 Jul
Safe use of FIBC (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container)
A bulk bag failed during lifting from a quayside towards a vessel, dropping 900 kg of sand bags without injury. The flash describes handle and stitching failure and sets out precautions for inspection, storage, handling and lifting, including avoiding sharp edges, shock loading and use beyond two years from manufacture.
- 202023 Jun
Crewman fatally injured while standing on the stern ramp of Seatruck Progress
This safety flash summarises MAIB findings on a fatal semi-trailer strike on Seatruck Progress’s stern ramp. A port tractor was pushing the trailer ashore while the officer used a mobile telephone. It highlights obstructed driver visibility, distraction, absent vehicle–pedestrian segregation and missing ramp monitoring controls.
- 202012 Jun
Lifting basket with unsecured cargo which fell out
An offshore crane could not lift a cargo basket from a vessel, and equipment slid out when the basket dropped back onto deck. The flash identifies missing acceptance inspection, unsecured cargo and a discrepancy between the understood load weight of 1800 kg and actual weight of 4000 kg. Crew recognised the unsafe condition but did not apply stop-work policy.
- 202010 Jun
Accident on the stern ramp of the ro-ro freight ferry Seatruck Progress with loss of 1 life
Investigates a third officer’s fatal injury during trailer discharge from Seatruck Progress at Liverpool. Analysis examines obstructed driver visibility, mobile telephone distraction, ineffective warnings and absent pedestrian segregation. Reconstruction and CCTV review inform findings on ship–shore traffic control, generic risk assessments, procedures and safety culture.
- 202022 May
Fall from the quayside into water
A contract worker fell approximately three metres from a quayside into water while slinging a palleted water bag. Substitution of a shorter-reach ROV crane without reassessment placed the load near the edge. The flash describes sling release, loss of balance and self-rescue, emphasising change management, situational awareness and third-party briefings.
- 2020Apr
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2020
A collection of lessons from accidents involving merchant vessels, fishing boats and recreational craft. Cases examine distracted navigation, grounding, machinery fires, hazardous tank atmospheres, cargo handling and overboard emergencies. Discussions cover passage planning, maintenance, atmospheric testing, lifejacket performance and emergency drills, retaining uncertainty where accident causes remain unresolved.
- 202031 Mar
Worker fell from height and suffered life changing injuries
A stevedore unloading a merchant vessel at Hull fell 3.4 metres into its hold and was paralysed from the waist down. His jacket snagged on an eyebolt while he stepped across a walkway’s ladder gap. The flash describes customary gap-crossing and highlights planning effective fall-prevention measures.
- 202013 Feb
Basket snagged on ship’s structure
During backloading at a vessel’s stern, a tubular cargo basket swung into a restricted hose bay as the vessel dipped in waves, snagging on its protection bar. It came free and landed on a container, also striking handrails. Minor damage occurred, but crew were safely positioned and uninjured.
- 202013 Feb
Unsafe lifting operations – Potential dropped object
A vessel crane lift of palletised chemical drums using webbing slings exposed a potential dropped load. Plastic film alone secured the uneven lift. The flash explains pallet failure risks, recommends cargo nets for containment while noting their structural limitations, and suggests considering approved crane attachments.
- 202030 Jan
Explosion and fire on-board the chemical tanker Stolt Groenland
This safety flash summarises preliminary MAIB findings on explosions and fire aboard Stolt Groenland during ship-to-ship styrene monomer transfer at Ulsan. Investigators considered deck rupture from over-pressurisation followed by vapour ignition the probable explosion mechanism. The incident caused extensive vessel damage and injuries to crew and firefighters.
- 202017 Jan
Cargo shift and damage to vehicles on board ro-ro passenger ferry European Causeway
European Causeway’s heavy rolling in the North Channel caused inadequately secured freight vehicles to shift and topple, damaging 22 vehicles. The investigation examines sailing decisions, passage planning, chain lashings and drivers remaining in cabs. It identifies insufficient heavy-weather securing guidance and recommends specific fleet-wide instructions.
- 202010 Jan
LTI: Step into open deck hatch causes fall
A deckhand on an offshore renewables crew transfer vessel suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder after stepping backwards into an open hatch while receiving luggage. The flash identifies miscommunication, poor hatch visibility, inadequate risk assessment and time pressure, and calls for improved markings, communications, maintenance scheduling and reinforcement of stop-work authority.
- 201928 Oct
Marine Operations
HSE guidance supports offshore inspectors in assessing dutyholders’ marine operations and assigning compliance ratings. It covers vessel assurance, collision prevention, cargo transfer, rig moves, walk-to-work gangways and multi-role rescue vessels. Inspection criteria examine operational limits, risk assessments, certification and whether additional vessel duties compromise response and rescue capability.
- 201929 Jul
Safety Alert 362 - Poor Tag Line Awareness Leads to Multiple Incidents
This alert describes three Gulf of Mexico lifting incidents in which riggers became caught in tag lines and were lifted off decks; one fell and injured an ankle. Recommendations address line positioning and length, readiness signals, alternative all-stop communications, vessel motion and pre-job risk assessment.
- 201925 Jul
Near miss – Two dropped objects (MSF)
This flash describes two dropped-object near misses on the same vessel during offshore cargo handling. Contact between adjacent lifted loads released a 3 kg part onto the deck. In a separate event, retrieving a landed lift dislodged a piece; deck crew identified two scaffolding poles.
- 201916 Jul
Quayside dropped object
A 5 kg steel plate detached from a freight container during vessel loading and fell onto the quayside, without injury. The flash identifies degraded stitch welds, damage-prone forklift pockets and omitted underside inspections. It recommends quarantining affected pockets until rectified, inspecting container undersides before dispatch and implementing regular inspection and maintenance.
- 20193 May
Rigger sustains injury to left hand
A rigger suffered a hand injury when a lever-hoist hook released during vessel-to-vessel transfer of a product reel. Uncommunicated ballasting changes moved the load unexpectedly. The flash examines unsuitable lever-hoist use, communication failures and unmanaged changes, emphasising lift planning, centre-of-gravity checks and keeping clear of suspended loads.
- 201918 Apr
Near miss: Cargo shifted on deck in heavy weather
A platform supply vessel experienced casing movement of approximately 3 m to starboard after securing stanchions sheared during heavy rolling. Nobody was on deck. The flash identifies securing and back-load planning shortcomings, and describes pin replacement, non-destructive weld examination, lifespan reassessment and risk assessment for additional pins during winter loading.
- 20195 Apr
Near miss: Crewman struck on head by crane hook (Marine Safety Forum)
During cargo transfer on a platform supply vessel, a descending crane hook struck a crewman’s hard hat without injuring him. A snagged lifting bridle diverted attention during shift handover. The flash describes communication failures, inadequate procedural guidance, cargo readiness checks and stopping work when additional handover time is needed.
- 201821 Dec
MSF: Near miss – potential dropped object during cargo operations
A metal trip-hazard cover was found trapped in a basket’s forklift pocket after offshore cargo lifting, creating a potential dropped-object hazard. The flash examines limitations of container inspections and describes added retaining pins, pre-work deck inspections, checklist changes and crew briefings introduced by the vessel owner.
- 201821 Dec
Unsafe backloading of equipment
Equipment returned from a demobilised vessel was found inadequately packed and secured while a half-height container was unloaded from a truck at a yard. Contents included a full propane cylinder. The flash identifies inadequate supervision and rushing, and calls for stop-work intervention and safe, secure backloading.
- 20183 Dec
LTI – rigger tripped over quayside obstacle in the dark and fell
A rigger sustained multiple fractures after tripping over a grillage I-beam on a quayside during night-time mobilisation. The flash identifies missed trip hazards, ineffective safety checks and unclear operational responsibility. Lessons address shift handovers, workplace hazard checks, dynamic risk assessment and consideration of additional portable lighting.
- 201830 Oct
Pallet failure: High potential dropped object during lifting operations
During vessel mobilisation, a basket-slung wooden pallet failed, dropping drums onto deck equipment without injury or damage. The flash identifies normalised unsafe rigging after a pallet lifter was removed for repair, non-compliance and inadequate supervision. Lessons address suitable lifting equipment, possible use of dedicated baskets, lift-plan compliance and intervention.
- 20182 Oct
Snagged lift during deck cargo operations
A container lift snagged a tote tank bridle during vessel deck cargo operations. Restricted deck space, poor visibility of the bridle and container guiding pins complicated recovery. The flash describes stopping the crane and landing both containers on a tubular stack, and emphasises snag-hazard checks and safe crew positioning.
- 201825 Sep
Fatal Traffic Accident on Board a Large Vessel
A duty officer was fatally struck by a reversing trailer during loading on a large Ro-Ro vessel. Findings identified absent reversing assistance, inadequate supervision and failure to follow cargo handling instructions. Lessons emphasise situational awareness, stronger high-visibility clothing requirements and compliance with safety helmet requirements.
- 201810 Sep
Dropped pipe incidents with potentially fatal consequences
Three high-potential near misses during pipe load-out involved two dropped pipes and one contact with a ship’s hold bulkhead. The flash identifies missing work instructions, inadequate subcontractor competence assurance, unclear banksman–operator communication, inexperienced supervision and unsuitable crane selection. Lessons emphasise scrutiny of high-risk activities proposed for subcontracting.
- 201810 Sep
Potential dropped objects in frame pockets
Final checks aboard an offshore supply vessel found debris estimated to weigh approximately 1 kg in a lift-frame pocket before discharge. Earlier onshore checks had missed it, apparently because trailer positioning may have obstructed inspection. The debris was removed and discharge completed safely, highlighting final offshore checks.
- 201827 Jul
Injured finger during cargo operations
A crewman suffered serious finger damage while reconnecting a chain-tackle hook during module discharge from a vessel to a quayside trailer. The alternative method used chain tackles to limit horizontal movement. The flash identifies insufficient management of change and the absence of job hazard analysis or a toolbox talk.
- 201827 Jul
Lost time injury (LTI): ankle injuries during loading operations
An experienced AB sustained serious ankle injuries while clearing an entangled tag line during vessel-to-rig casing transfer. The crane operator lowered the bundle without warning; it struck the AB and subsequently rested partly on his legs. The flash identifies deficient situational awareness and communication between rig and vessel.
- 201822 Jun
MSF: three potential near misses during cargo operations
Three MSF cargo-operation near misses concern a tool left on a container after a fire drill and two instances of wave-driven deck cargo movement. The accounts highlight a failed post-work inspection, cargo not re-secured after leaving a platform’s 500 m zone, and a crew member positioned unsafely near shifting containers.
- 20184 Jun
Two potential dropped objects (Marine Safety Forum)
Two cargo-related near misses involved a deck pocket cover washed loose in heavy weather and wood discovered atop a supply-vessel container. Poor retaining rubber, inspection and maintenance contributed to the first case. Corrective measures included replacement covers and planned checks; the second highlighted pre-lift checks and supply-chain observation.
- 20189 May
Vessel made contact with rig legs
A vessel approaching a rig for cargo offloading drifted towards a leg and made slight contact during an attempted escape, without vessel damage. The flash identifies inadequate assessment of current effects and escape manoeuvring, and discusses prior agreement on operations, consideration of escape plans and the Master’s authority to reject operations.
- 201824 Apr
BSEE: potentially catastrophic crane and lifting incidents
This flash summarises four BSEE lifting incidents involving a dislodged slick joint, a parted crane line, a falling boom and tubing escaping a bundle. One incident released diesel. Recommendations address lift planning, safe zones, training, crane inspection and maintenance, cable and sheave compatibility, and balanced, secured loads.
- 201819 Mar
Vessel/Platform Collision – Mooring Bollard Broken by Vessel
A platform supply vessel struck and damaged a platform mooring bollard during cargo delivery by snatch lift. Limited crane reach prompted movement to around 1 m from the platform in 2m waves. Initial findings highlight unresolved operational concerns, stopping unsafe work and agreed guidance for platform approaches.
- 201820 Feb
Near miss: potential dropped object left on top of cargo
A near miss involved unsecured timber dunnage lifted with a mud cooler module from a vessel to an offshore platform. Crew declined to enter beneath the suspended load but missed the remaining dropped-object hazard. The flash describes revised risk assessments and permit checks, and a possible hands-off pre-lift method.
- 201820 Feb
Potential dropped objects left on loaded cargo
This safety flash describes repeated discoveries of potential dropped objects on cargo loaded from ports and offshore facilities. It identifies poor housekeeping and missed load inspections as primary causes, and calls for supply-chain inspections, caution with third-party loads, good housekeeping and exclusion zones during lifting.
- 201820 Feb
Safety Alert 329 - Potentially Catastrophic Crane and Lifting Incidents
This alert describes four crane and lifting incidents involving a dropped riser joint, a parted crane line, a falling crane boom and tubing escaping a bundle. One incident released diesel into the Gulf of Mexico. BSEE recommends operators consider lift planning, crane inspection and maintenance, participant training and verification of load security.
- 20177 Dec
Gas explosions on general cargo ship Nortrader with 1 person injured
Investigation of two explosions aboard Nortrader at anchor in Plymouth Sound, injuring the chief engineer. Hydrogen generated by unprocessed incinerator bottom ash accumulated in the unventilated hold and entered the forecastle store. The report examines probable switchgear ignition, inadequate cargo testing and shortcomings in applying bulk-cargo carriage requirements.
- 20179 Nov
Cargo collapse on bulk carrier Graig Rotterdam with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal timber deck cargo collapse during discharge from Graig Rotterdam at Alexandria Port. The bosun fell into an alongside barge. The report examines cargo securing, package racking strength, stevedoring practices, supervision and fall protection, while acknowledging uncertainty about how the accident occurred.
- 201721 Sep
Crewman got cement dust in his eyes
A crewman received cement dust in his eyes during vessel cargo discharge when back pressure caused blowback while crew investigated a blocked line using a portable hose. He was unharmed after washing his eyes. The flash identifies incorrect procedures and inappropriate PPE, and highlights precautions for dry bulk cargo.
- 201723 Aug
High potential near miss: Slip on tag line during crane operations
A seaman tripped on a tag line while preparing a vessel’s load for transfer to an offshore installation. Crane movement stopped and he was uninjured. The flash discusses potential collision and lifting hazards, tag-line positioning for small fragile loads, revised risk assessment, crew briefing, additional training and closer monitoring.
- 201713 Jul
Worker fainted and was injured during tanker operations in a tropical climate
A rigger fainted after standing from prolonged crouching during hose handling on a loading tanker, sustaining a slight head cut. The flash discusses extreme heat, PPE and inadequate drinking water, and highlights physical fitness, hydration, proper eating and opportunities to rest in shade.
- 201715 Jun
Near-miss: Snagged lifting bridle
A lifting bridle snagged beneath an open-top mini basket during discharge from a platform supply vessel, nearly tipping the unit. Crew alerted the installation crane operator rather than approaching the snag. The flash highlights communication, consideration of container redesign and a planned check of bridle length.
- 201722 May
Near-miss: Multiple potential dropped objects discovered during loading of spooling unit
A near-miss involved 19 potential dropped objects identified on a spooling unit after transfer from a vessel to a platform. Vendor, quayside and vessel checks were missed, and an inspection gantry was unused. The flash recommends thorough inspections at every transportation stage and keeping personnel out from beneath loads.