Activity
Personnel Transfer
Moving personnel across marine interfaces including baskets and gangways.
Newest 100 Documents
All 167 in search- 20266 Jun
Poorly Maintained Crane Components Result in Multiple Personnel Injured During Transfers
Two offshore personnel-basket transfer incidents involved uncontrolled crane auxiliary-line descents and injuries. Investigations identified uncorrected component deficiencies in one case and inadequate hoist brake adjustment in the other. The alert recommends considering timely maintenance, loaded brake checks, wire-rope fouling checks, stop-work interventions, clearer transfer communications and verified medical evacuation arrangements.
- 202622 Jan
Fall from a pilot ladder while attempting to board the cargo vessel Finnhawk from the pilot vessel Humber Saturn with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal pilot boarding accident involving Finnhawk and Humber Saturn. A probable cardiac event preceded the fall, while recovery-platform failure left the injured pilot partially immersed for over 40 minutes. The report examines medical fitness assessment, hydraulic defects, maintenance, cold-water protection and rescue training.
- 2026
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 82 (Spring 2026)
Maritime reports examine solvent use in bilges, navigation audit findings, refused fuel-tank entry, twin-lanyard misuse and obstructed pilot access. Further cases address partial power loss linked to an unannounced software update and pressure over navigation decisions. Commentary emphasises equipment limitations, safe attachment, supplier communication and supportive bridge leadership.
- 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.
- 202518 Dec
Two Walk-to-Work gangway incidents
Two related Walk-to-Work gangway incidents occurred during offshore wind personnel transfers. Hydraulic stiction caused uncontrolled slewing and a collision with the vessel crane. Subsequent modifications introduced an automation logic error that prevented retraction during connection preparation. The flash describes hydraulic adjustments, revised operating procedures and manufacturer testing; neither incident caused injury.
- 2025Dec
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 8 (December 2025)
Superyacht incident reports examine a failed mooring attachment, captain harassment, generator starter battery explosions, collision at anchor, unsafe pilot boarding arrangements, unprotected work aloft and defective life rafts. Commentary discusses battery capacity and ventilation, engineering handovers, equipment servicing and testing, reporting concerns and organisational safety culture.
- 2025Nov
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 81
Six confidential maritime reports examine a pilot’s fall, unsafe ladder rigging, illegal waste disposal, congested harbour operations involving an uncrewed vessel, a yacht–ferry close-quarters encounter and management intimidation. Commentary discusses transfer procedures, collision avoidance, competence assurance, reporting protections and the influence of leadership on safety and environmental compliance.
- 202519 Aug
UK HSE: Motion Compensated Gangways Auto-Retraction
This IMCA flash summarises UK HSE concerns about unplanned retraction of motion-compensated gangways following power or control-system failures. It explains why simultaneous alarms provide inadequate warning and outlines required reviews of gangway arrangements and automatic-function testing, alongside recommended technical risk assessment and rigorous assessment of operator overrides.
- 2025Aug
Motion Compensated Gangways Auto-retraction
HSE warns that power failures or control-system errors can trigger unexpected retraction of motion-compensated gangways, exposing users to falls and moving parts. The notice requires reviews of gangway arrangements, design and automatic-function testing, and calls for adequate advance warnings and rigorous assessment of operator overrides.
- 2025Jul
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 10
Six superyacht reports examine dismissed safety concerns, inconsistent fall protection, unsafe pilot boarding, crew abandonment, a mooring-line injury and chemical burns. Commentary addresses leadership, reporting protection, procedural compliance and task risk assessment. An appended flag-state flyer reinforces safe working at height, equipment training and intervention in unsafe work.
- 202516 May
MSF: Multiple LTIs - Vessel gangway fell from quay causing injuries
Five workers were injured when a container vessel’s gangway moved off the quay; one fell into the water. Tidal movement had positioned the gangway partly over a ladder void. The flash identifies absent supervision, slack hoist wires and faded markings, and presents suggestions on positioning, procedures, checks, signage and correct PPE use.
- 20257 Mar
BSEE Safety Alert 497 - Weather Creates Sudden and Unpredictable Risks
BSEE describes a wave-related femur injury on a deepwater drilling rig and further adverse-weather incidents involving personnel transfers, vessel collision and lost dynamic positioning capability. Recommendations address weather-dependent access restrictions, communication of unusual hazards, suspension of non-critical work and assessment of medical evacuation capabilities during adverse conditions.
- 202520 Feb
Crew transfer vessel (CTV) drifts onto turbine tower
After a successful personnel transfer, a crew transfer vessel drifted into a turbine structure at 0.5 knots while crew completed administrative tasks. No injuries occurred; paintwork damage was noted. The flash examines situational awareness, bridge instrumentation and inappropriate transfer authorisation, emphasising lookout and consideration of vessel position and conditions.
- 2025
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 78 (Spring 2025)
This maritime digest examines pilot-ladder deficiencies, a caustic eye injury, unacceptable accommodation, charcoal cargo fire, corroded walkways, yacht fire, disabled carbon dioxide firefighting and rescue-craft capsize. Commentary emphasises time for post-maintenance checks, equipment handovers, crew training and risk assessment, alongside protective equipment and seafarers’ rights.
- 2025
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 79 (Summer 2025)
Six confidential maritime reports examine heavy-weather fatalities, navigational audit findings, lifting entanglement, a pilot boarding fall, obstructed firefighting equipment and exposure to residual acid fumes. Commentary connects operational shortcomings with communication, supervision and safety culture, with separate lessons for seafarers, ship managers and regulators.
- 2025
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 80 (Autumn 2025)
This maritime incident digest examines unsafe pilot transfers, an obstructed escape hatch, incorrect antenna labelling, pest infestation and unsafe fumigation, an unmanned survey vessel capsize, and an enclosed-space inspection injury. Commentary emphasises practical design validation, operational limits, crew welfare and confirmed communication between teams.
- 202425 Sep
Man overboard during motion compensated gangway transfer
An offshore worker fell overboard from a height of one metre when a manually station-kept vessel drifted off and its motion-compensated gangway disconnected. His life-jacket failed to inflate, but he was recovered within 22 seconds. The flash addresses gangway emergency procedures, drift-off familiarisation, flotation-device checks and safety induction.
- 202412 Sep
Fall overboard from sail training vessel Pelican of London with loss of 1 life
MAIB investigates a volunteer relief cook’s fatal fall from Pelican of London’s gangway at Sharpness. It examines ineffective guard ropes, a downward-sloping safety net, deficient risk assessment and informal rigging practices. Alcohol impairment and policies for returning from shore are analysed, with recommendations addressing gangway approval, training and alcohol controls.
- 2024May
Risk of serious injury from motion compensated gangways
This safety notice addresses serious injury risks during deployment and use of motion compensated gangways, including entrapment, shearing and falls from open walkway ends. It sets out expectations for risk assessment, timely audible and visible auto-retraction warnings, user and operator competence, and inspection and maintenance arrangements.
- 202427 Feb
Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) hit protruding scaffolding on a supply vessel
A crew transfer vessel struck scaffolding protruding from an anchored offshore supply vessel, damaging a railing without injury. The master underestimated the projection and vessel swing, while repeated transfers were treated as routine. The flash calls for a more comprehensive risk assessment addressing protruding objects and continuous swing.
- 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.
- 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.
- 202318 Dec
Two hand injuries
Two marine incidents involved a pilot’s knuckle injured by an abruptly closing access hatch and a seaman’s thumb crushed during small-boat mooring. The flash examines hatch securing, bulky backpack access, unassessed pinch points, communication and glove compliance, recommending secured hatches and separate transfer of bulky bags.
- 20236 Dec
LTI: Gangway collapsed
A gangway collapsed during departure from vessels alongside in a shipyard, fracturing both of a person's heels. Scaffolding obstructed complete gangway removal during engine tests. The flash identifies absent barriers, signs, watchkeeping and lighting, and recommends better communication, crew supervision and secure restriction of hazardous access.
- 202312 Sep
Fall from pilot ladder
During a pre-departure man overboard drill at a shipyard, a Chief Officer fell about 2 m onto a lifeboat after an unsecured pilot ladder slid downwards. He sustained minor bruising. The flash stresses secure ladder installation, officer checks and crew familiarisation with deployment, securing and stowage procedures.
- 202321 Jun
Near miss: Personnel transfer basket hit structure
During a crane transfer of two people, a personnel basket slightly struck a platform’s helipad netting rail after an unexpected wave rolled the vessel. No injuries or equipment damage were reported. The flash identifies missing vertical-movement limits and clearance criteria, recommending calculated basket movements in lift plans.
- 202316 May
BSEE: Swing rope transfers
This safety flash relays BSEE accounts of swing rope transfers involving a fractured foot, a shin laceration and a fall into water without injury. BSEE recommends standalone transfer operations, formal risk assessment, stop-work authority, competence assessment and alternatives where practicable. IMCA does not recommend swing ropes.
- 202321 Feb
Extreme Caution Advised During Swing Rope Transfers
This alert reviews offshore swing-rope transfer incidents involving a fractured foot, a shin laceration and a fall into water without injury. BSEE recommends transfer-specific risk assessments, competence assurance and recovery capability checks, alongside verification of transfer systems and locator beacons. Alternative transfer methods, including gangways or elevated structures, are recommended for consideration.
- 202318 Jan
Near miss: pilot ladder – side rope failed
During night-time pilot boarding, a ladder side rope parted during weight testing; the pilot was uninjured and boarding was aborted. The flash identifies omitted strength testing, continued use beyond operational life and absence of a spare ladder. Actions address pre-use inspection, replacement intervals and planned maintenance records.
- 202311 Jan
Incorrect gangway rigging
Two cases illustrate unsafe gangway arrangements: placement near an unbarriered quay drop with an incorrectly mounted safety net, and deformation over a bollard as propeller wash moved a vessel. Lessons address inclination limits, fencing, safety nets, positioning, assessment of vessel movement risks and adequate gangway watch.
- 2023
CHIRP Ports and Harbours Feedback summer 2023
This inaugural ports and harbours digest analyses five reports involving a quayside ladder fall, failed moorings and collisions, ferry traffic conflict, a trapped mooring launch and container-ship grounding. Commentary examines safe access, casualty recovery, bollard capacity, wind loading, navigation aids and communication between port authorities, pilots and vessel crews.
- 2023
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 4 (Autumn 2023)
This superyacht digest analyses an allergic reaction, faulty gangway installation, a dive-vessel capsize, berth-departure contact, mooring injuries and grounding followed by dismissal of a reporting watchkeeper. Commentary examines equipment certification, stability testing, medical preparedness, line-handling teamwork, passage planning and constructive challenges to unsafe decisions.
- 202213 Dec
MAIB: Worker falls between vessel and quay
A shore worker used a stowed gangway despite crew instructions to wait for alternative access as the tide fell. He slipped and fell over 8 m into the sea, sustaining significant injuries. The flash describes his rescue and stresses safe access arrangements and compliance with instructions to visitors.
- 2022Dec
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 69
This maritime digest examines unsafe pilot boarding arrangements, helm execution, substandard ship conditions, collision avoidance, a crushed mooring launch and yacht grounding. Commentary emphasises closed-loop communication, challenging unsafe directions and port coordination. A separate article explores links between fishing crews’ working conditions, labour exploitation and safety.
- 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.
- 202211 Mar
Non-fatal man overboard incident
A pilot fell into the water while attempting to leave a mooring boat before it was securely moored. He escaped uninjured using an inflated lifejacket and jetty ladder, although the lifejacket was incorrectly secured. The flash addresses safe disembarkation, buddy support, lifejacket fastening and gangway safeguards.
- 2022Feb
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 66 (February 2022)
This maritime incident digest examines accommodation ladder failure, unsafe floating-armoury conditions, personnel falls, defective workboat lifting eyes, berthing errors, a fatal tug-line incident and a hydraulic motor fire. Commentary addresses maintenance, securing arrangements, bridge resource management, mooring briefings, human-centred deck design and collision-avoidance communication.
- 2022
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2022
This multi-case marine digest examines collisions, groundings, machinery failures, fires and people entering the water across merchant, fishing and leisure vessels. Lessons address bridge teamwork, maintenance isolation, pilot-ladder securing, risk assessment and emergency preparedness. Reproduced bulletins and flyers discuss vehicle-deck crushing, collision avoidance and fishing-vessel survival.
- 202115 Oct
Unsafe personnel transfer – man overboard
A diver slipped while boarding a pilot boat using a quayside fender. His assisting supervisor also lost balance, and both jumped into the water. Their life-jackets inflated and neither was injured. The flash identifies unsuitable access and unexercised stop-work authority, urging safe access arrangements and renewed emphasis on stopping unsafe work.
- 20219 Sep
Immobilisation and flooding of dredger Shearwater following repeated collisions with unmanned barge Agem One
Investigation of Shearwater’s immobilisation and flooding near Kinlochbervie while towing Agem One. Towline fouling disabled propulsion, and repeated barge collisions breached the hull. The report examines towing suitability, crew competence, passage planning, HMPE tow arrangements, bilge pumping and regulatory oversight. The initial towline failure’s precise cause remained undetermined.
- 202122 Jul
MAIB: fatality during transfer from a workboat to a barge
A fish farm assistant manager was crushed between a moving workboat and a feed barge during transfer onto an access ladder, then fell into the water and drowned. The flash identifies inadequate planning, supervision, risk assessment and emergency preparedness, recommending transfer planning, recovery drills and sufficient trained, experienced crew.
- 202125 May
Crush incident during transfer from workboat Beinn Na Caillich to a feed barge with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal transfer at Ardintoul fish farm, where a worker was crushed between a moving workboat and a feed barge ladder, then drowned after slipping out of his lifejacket. The report examines transfer planning and supervision, crotch straps, recovery preparedness and marine safety management, recommending fleet standards and management expertise.
- 20218 Apr
Near miss: Vessel approach to wind turbine tower
Two near misses involved turbine nacelle movement during vessel approaches for offshore personnel transfer. Neither caused harm. The flash examines autonomous-mode selection, cable unwinding and alarm resetting, alongside inadequate warnings, verification, procedures and communication. It explains why turbine STOP mode is necessary for safe docking and transfer.
- 202119 Jan
Positive: Vessel improvements made following a man overboard incident
Following a non-fatal fall overboard from a tug, a member reviewed bow transfers and introduced removable handrails and refresher training. Subsequent dry-dock modifications created a larger, obstruction-free embarkation platform with improved fendering and hazard markings. Similar tugs were scheduled for modification as they docked over the following 12–18 months.
- 2021
CHIRP Annual Digest 2021
This annual maritime digest combines confidential incident reports with specialist insights into human performance and seafarer wellbeing. Cases examine pilot boarding, mooring, propulsion failures, fires and maintenance. Commentary discusses fatigue management, risk assessment and communication, alongside trauma-informed interviewing and confidential reporting arrangements.
- 202010 Nov
Pilots leaving the vessel in port in an unsafe manner
Two incidents involving pilots leaving unstable gangways before they rested on the jetty resulted in a medical treatment case and a near miss. The flash recommends completing mooring before disembarkation, ensuring the gangway lies flat with crew attending, communicating delays, using available shoreside assistance where possible and wearing lifejackets.
- 2020Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2020
A collection of marine accident lessons covering merchant vessels, commercial fishing and recreational craft. Cases examine collisions, grounding, machinery failures, overboard accidents, scalding and fire. Discussions address navigation information, lifejackets, maintenance checks and recovery arrangements. An appended provisional bulletin considers precautions for condensed aerosol fire-extinguishing systems.
- 202021 Sep
Safety Alert 392 - Personnel Transfer Injuries Escalate Over 1-Year Period
BSEE summarises personnel transfer injuries involving baskets and swing ropes between April 2019 and April 2020, alongside near misses and man-overboard incidents. It recommends that operators and contractors consider realistic response drills, communication about dangerous transfer conditions, stop-work training and continued fitness for duty following initial training and certification.
- 202014 Aug
Safe embarkation and disembarkation of Marine Pilots
A marine pilot halted boarding after identifying a broken ladder step; the ladder was replaced before embarkation. The flash identifies omitted inspection before rigging and emphasises checks of new ladders, knot-free steps, officer checks before use, proper securing and compliance with IMO pilot-transfer requirements.
- 202013 Jul
Double man overboard resulting in one fatality
A tug crew member fell into the water between a tug and barge during preparations to disconnect in worsening weather; a colleague also fell during rescue. One died and the other suffered hypothermia. The flash examines transfer practices, unsuitable rescue arrangements and lifejacket performance, recommending reviews of procedures, risk assessments and drills.
- 202013 Jul
MOB fatality: Person fell between vessel and jetty
This flash summarises MAIB findings on the fatal crushing of Cherry Sand’s Master during self-mooring at Rosyth. He attempted to step ashore before the dredger was alongside. It highlights hazardous transfer practices, absent linesmen and audit shortcomings, alongside recommendations concerning self-mooring guidance and fleetwide procedures.
- 202012 Jun
Near miss/positive: Crew exercised stop work on new gangway
Following an initial transfer test, a captain stopped use of a newly installed gangway after identifying a trip hazard and minor hydraulic leak. Further inspection revealed cracks in welding seams. The flash highlights pre-use inspection, stop-work authority without reprisal, and quarantine of unsafe equipment pending corrective action.
- 202020 May
Man overboard from dredger Cherry Sand with loss of 1 life
These annexes bring together maritime medical fitness standards, UK Dredging transfer risk assessments, Cherry Sand’s mooring instructions and a new-joiner induction form. They address eyesight testing, physical capability, boarding unmoored vessels, mooring-line handling and winch operation, with requirements for bridge permission, briefings and protective equipment.
- 202028 Apr
Vessel gangway rolled off platform tower and fell to the quayside in high wind
A vessel in port moved away from the quay during gusts exceeding 50 knots, causing its gangway to roll off a tower platform and fall approximately 5.2 m. Nobody was harmed. The flash examines mooring stretch, unrecognised falling-load risk and access design, and recommends reviewing weather reports and access risk assessments.
- 202030 Jan
MAIB: fatal man overboard incident whilst boarding tug
This safety flash summarises MAIB findings on a fatal fall into water while reboarding Millgarth at Tranmere Oil Terminal. Despite automatic lifejacket inflation, cold-water incapacitation prevented crew recovery aboard. It highlights longstanding unsafe access arrangements, unevaluated shared risks and unfamiliarity with man-overboard recovery equipment.
- 202030 Jan
Worker fell into sea from gangway and drowned
A worker lost his balance while boarding a launch boat from a vessel gangway and drowned. The incident remained under investigation. The flash relays WSH recommendations on transfer briefings, physical fitness, favourable conditions, appropriate supervision and personal protective equipment, and points readers towards personnel-transfer guidance.
- 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.
- 20196 Dec
Man overboard – Fall from a pilot ladder
An IT technician boarding a vessel fell into the sea from a pilot ladder after the service boat lurched backwards and the ladder swayed. He was rescued without reported injury and was not wearing a lifejacket. The flash calls for SOLAS-approved lifejackets, separate luggage transfer and crew briefing on stop-work authority.
- 20195 Dec
Fall while boarding tug Millgarth with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal fall while boarding Millgarth at Tranmere Oil Terminal. The chief engineer most likely slipped on a wet fender and died from cardiac arrest due to cold water immersion. The report examines self-mooring, shared access risks, recovery equipment, crew training and unsuccessful rescue attempts.
- 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.
- 201911 Jul
Safety Alert 360 - Collision Leads to Significant Near Miss
A vessel collision during preparations for a swing-rope personnel transfer dislodged a load block from an out-of-service crane into nearby water. Inspection revealed a broken load line and severe corrosion. BSEE recommends considering visual inspections, securing or removing blocks and headache balls, and lubricating wire ropes during prolonged inactivity.
- 20195 Jul
Man overboard fatality
During pilot-transfer preparations on a container ship in heavy weather, seas forced a side hatch open and flooded the embarkation space. One crewman was swept overboard and presumed dead; another sustained a broken leg. The flash highlights protective equipment, weather-aware risk assessment, pilot-transfer procedures, communication and supervision.
- 201927 Jun
Man overboard from potter Fram of Shieldaig with loss of 1 life
This investigation examines a deckhand’s fatal entry into Loch Torridon from Fram of Shieldaig’s tender. The unwitnessed fall probably occurred while securing the tender alongside. It analyses lifejacket non-use, cold-water immersion, alcohol impairment and difficulties recovering an unconscious casualty, alongside incomplete risk assessments and absent regular emergency drills.
- 201930 May
Safety Alert 352 - Boat Landing Incident
A contractor fell into the water when boat-landing grating collapsed after a successful rope transfer to a Gulf of Mexico platform. Deckhands recovered the injured person. BSEE recommends operators consider safe boarding plans, pre-boarding structural checks, visual inspections and discussion of transfer hazards with personnel.
- 201918 Apr
Transferee stepping from gangway to staircase during rotation
During personnel extraction from offshore wind turbines in worsening weather, a transferee continued along a gangway after an alarm and automatic disconnection, entering a potential crush zone during slewing. He exited safely. The flash examines ambiguous instructions and platform design, recording removal of a superfluous post and planned crew refamiliarisation.
- 201918 Apr
Uncontrolled release of walk to work gangway
A walk-to-work gangway connection failed during personnel transfer to an offshore wind installation, causing minor damage and prompting the transfer to be aborted. Investigation identified reduced active motion compensation accuracy. Corrective measures addressed software parameters, annual performance verification, pre-connection stability checks and connection-point compatibility.
- 201920 Mar
High potential near miss: Passenger on a CTV narrowly avoided being crushed between vessels
A crew transfer passenger climbed partly over the bulwark while returning to a workboat for a forgotten telephone, exposing his leg to crushing between vessels. A deckhand pulled him back before contact. The flash discusses embarrassment, haste and reduced situational awareness, and reinforcement of safe boarding procedures.
- 201920 Mar
Near miss: Potential fall through CTV hatch
A crew-transfer passenger climbed over a vessel’s bulwark while returning to retrieve a forgotten telephone, exposing his leg to potential crushing between vessels. A deckhand intervened before contact. The flash also identifies an unguarded hatch and boarding-control deficiencies, recommending hatch barriers, notifications, procedures and clearer inductions.
- 201913 Feb
Hazard hunt: Pilot ladders and gangways
A fatal gangway collapse prompted a member’s focus on pilot ladders and gangways. A parted wire allowed the gangway to pivot and fall into the sea. Recommendations address periodic inspection, checks for damage and corrosion during rigging, lubrication of moving parts, underside examinations and appropriate supervision.
- 2019Feb
Considerations for Walk to Work and Multi Operation Vessels – Regulatory Guidance
UK regulatory guidance for offshore oil and gas walk-to-work safety cases addresses vessel selection, installation collision resistance, station keeping and task-specific procedures. It examines gangway evacuation availability, contractor competence and combined rescue-vessel arrangements, requiring rescue and recovery capability to remain available throughout operations.
- 201814 Dec
“Don’t forget about gangways” – USCG: Pilot Dies in Gangway Accident
This safety flash summarises a USCG alert concerning a fatal boarding accident in which a gangway separated from a vessel and two people fell into the water. With investigations continuing, it highlights gangway checks, reporting deficiencies, implementing applicable best practices and declining crossings where safety concerns exist.
- 201814 Dec
Third-party high potential near miss – dropped gangway
A gangway fell 2.4 m onto a barge at a spool fabrication yard, shortly after personnel had used it. Securing arrangements overlooked tidal range, strap abrasion and required roller movement. The flash highlights task risk assessment, responsibility allocation and regular inspections of gangway movement and securing arrangements.
- 201830 Oct
OCIMF: Pilot ladder side rope failure: Unsafe pilot transfer
A pilot ladder side rope failed during disembarkation from a condensate tanker, creating an unsafe transfer condition without a reported incident. Mould had weakened the rope and inspections were ineffective. The flash calls for improved inspection processes, better knowledge of rope defects and revised transfer procedures, including review of alternative methods.
- 20188 Aug
Man overboard from stern trawler Illustris with loss of 1 life
Investigates a fatal overboard incident from Illustris while berthed at Royal Quays Marina, North Shields. The precise entry mechanism remains uncertain. The report examines alcohol impairment, access across rafted vessels, guardrails, cold-water survivability and boarding risk assessments, recommending improved monitoring, mandatory safety training and a formal drug and alcohol policy.
- 20189 Jul
Man overboard: personnel transfers by swing rope and personnel basket
This flash summarises BSEE findings on swing-rope and personnel-basket transfers, including a Gulf of Mexico fall into the sea followed by swift recovery and an elbow injury requiring surgery. Recommendations address hardware inspection and testing, alert review, conditions and stop-work authority, with consideration of fitness-for-duty requirements.
- 201810 May
Safety Alert 332 - Crane Hazards Identified by BSEE in Risk Based Inspections
BSEE reports findings from targeted crane risk inspections in the Gulf of Mexico following analysis of incident and compliance data. Deficiencies concern inspection effectiveness, maintenance tracking, load indicators, tag lines and competence assurance. Recommendations address lifting equipment maintenance, hand signals, personnel transfer procedures, safety communication and coordination of simultaneous operations.
- 201811 Apr
Unsafe attempt of personnel transfer between vessels
Three subcontractor personnel attempted to transfer between adjacent vessels through bulwark guardrails without a proper gangway. Intervention stopped the attempt; the vessel later moved to the quayside and provided gangway access. This uninjured near miss prompted renewed communication of safe-access requirements and a planned review of visitor induction checklists.
- 20184 Apr
Safety Alert 331 - Personnel Transfers by Swing Rope and Personnel Basket
This alert reviews a January 2018 swing-rope transfer injury in the Gulf of Mexico and several 2017 personnel-basket and swing-rope incidents. It identifies fitness, training, technique and weather factors, and asks operators to consider hardware checks, hazard discussions, stop-work authority and fitness-for-duty requirements.
- 2018Apr
Shared I-PINCs (Apr 2018) — Crane
An inspection guide presenting BSEE compliance questions for cranes and material-handling equipment, with jurisdictional qualifications for fixed OCS platforms and well operations on MODUs. It covers operating practices, safety devices, load ratings and tests, inspection records, repairs, sling identification and storage, certification, and personnel competence.
- 201821 Mar
Man overboard from stern trawler Constant Friend with loss of 1 life
This investigation examines a fatal boarding accident at Kilkeel Harbour involving Constant Friend and Silver Harvester. It analyses hazardous guardrail crossings, wet surfaces, vessel movement and probable alcohol-related impairment. The report assesses shortcomings in boarding risk controls, rescue and resuscitation, and recommends reviewing access guidance and improving emergency notification arrangements.
- 201819 Mar
Workboat Failed During Transfer Operations Due to Fuel Contamination
A workboat engine stopped during crew transfer and the craft was safely recovered. Condensation in its fuel tank promoted bacterial sediment that blocked the fine filter. Planned maintenance instructions had not been followed and spare filters were unavailable. Lessons address fuel inspections, tank levels and essential filter stocks.
- 201823 Jan
High potential near miss: AB slipped over the side during mooring operations
An able seaman slipped into the sea while jumping from a vessel to the quay during mooring. He held a fender, and the Master manoeuvred to prevent crushing and propeller exposure. The flash examines procedural violations, failure to intervene and management acceptance of an unsafe practice.
- 201823 Jan
LTI: Feet trapped in motion compensated telescopic gangway
A crewman sustained serious, non-life-threatening foot injuries beneath a telescopic gangway’s sliding step during a night-time transfer from a walk-to-work vessel. The flash identifies gap-design and monitoring shortcomings, inadequate lighting and insufficient induction awareness. Reported actions address gap checks, maintenance monitoring, training video improvements and lighting retrofits.
- 201725 Oct
A structural failure leads to uncontrolled motion of a ‘Billy Pugh’ basket and injuries to crew
A crane slew-drive mounting failure allowed wind-driven boom movement during a Billy Pugh basket transfer in the Gulf of Mexico. The basket struck vessel railings, injuring three personnel. The flash summarises investigation findings and recommendations to assess brackets and bolt torque, consider periodic swing-drive examinations and discuss the incident with crane-operation personnel.
- 201712 Oct
Accident during pilot transfer between general cargo vessel Sunmi and pilot transfer vessel Patrol with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal pilot transfer between Sunmi and Patrol on the River Thames. The pilot fell while stepping across and sustained crushing injuries between the vessels. Analysis examines unsuitable deck-gate access, ladder arrangements, omitted crush risks, training, fitness assessment and officer supervision; the initiating cause was not witnessed.
- 201728 Mar
Vessel activities near platforms – two incidents
Two vessel incidents near fixed platforms illustrate failures in fuel-system restoration and steering control. An AHTS vessel blacked out and drifted away after generators tripped; another vessel struck a flare bridge during personnel transfer following rudder feedback-unit failure. Actions address bunkering procedures, handovers, emergency-generator checks and communications.
- 201620 Dec
Incidents in small workboats used in the offshore renewables sector
Three small-workboat incidents concern a coolant-line bung left after repairs, a near-collision between crew transfer vessels in heavy fog, and a Master leaving the helm during passenger transfer in port. Lessons address repair records across shifts, safety-zone procedures, communication in reduced visibility and compliance with company transfer procedures.
- 20166 Dec
Unsafe boarding of vessels
This flash describes repeated boarding by non-crew personnel through open ship-side doors when no gangway was deployed. In the latest incident, a classification society surveyor removed a safety chain and jumped aboard from the quayside during mooring, while the vessel’s engines and thrusters were still running.
- 20167 Oct
Fall from tug Svitzer Moira with loss of 1 life
Investigates an engineer’s fatal crushing between two tugs at Royal Portbury Dock. He probably fell while transferring before the vessels were fully alongside, possibly through slipping or tripping. The report examines deck supervision, communications, mooring procedures, PPE use and comparative footwear slip-resistance testing, alongside company and port actions.
- 2016Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2016
This digest draws preventive lessons from merchant, fishing and recreational vessel accidents. Cases examine groundings, collisions, capsizing, flooding, machinery injuries and fires. Analysis addresses passage planning, bridge communication, maintenance, risk assessment and emergency checklists, alongside flotation equipment and distress beacons. A reproduced bulletin discusses carbon monoxide poisoning aboard a motor cruiser.
- 201631 Mar
Near-miss: Mooring without port assistance
Repeated absence of shore-based mooring assistance led crews to jump between vessel and jetty, exposing them to falling overboard. A visiting assurance official stopped the practice and reported a near miss. The flash highlights complacency, un escalated concerns and subsequent management engagement to secure mooring support.
- 201625 Feb
Accident to shore worker while disembarking passenger vessel Oldenburg with 1 fatality
Investigates the fatal entrapment of a shore worker between Oldenburg and a quayside fender at Ilfracombe. He attempted to disembark through an unguarded shell door along the vessel’s belting while swell moved the ship. The report examines access arrangements, visitor supervision, training and risk assessment, and records subsequent owner actions without making recommendations.
- 20165 Feb
Near-miss: Pilot ladder failure
During offshore embarkation, a pilot ladder rope snapped; the person avoided falling overboard by holding an adjacent hand line. The ladder had previously been recorded as unserviceable but remained available. The flash highlights unused stop-work authority, inadequate procedures, quarantine of defective equipment and inspections across other vessels.
- 201627 Jan
Crew transfer vessel (CTV) personnel transfers
Two offshore wind crew-transfer incidents illustrate hazards from fall-arrest attachment during vessel movement and thruster wash near a dynamically positioned construction vessel. The flash describes a rogue wave during a dark winter transfer, suspension of transfers pending improved conditions, and revised vessel separation and work sequencing arrangements.
- 201523 Nov
Near-miss during transfer operations from a crew transfer vessel (CTV) to a turbine tower
A crew transfer near miss involved a person remaining attached to a turbine tower fall arrester after boarding the vessel. Swell temporarily suspended him and lifted the assisting deckhand off his feet. Neither was injured. The account identifies incorrect procedures and insufficient awareness, and describes subsequent changes to disconnection arrangements.
- 2015Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2015
A compilation of 25 marine accident articles shares lessons for merchant vessels, fishing boats and small craft. Cases examine collisions, grounding, mooring casualties, fire, flooding and people entering the water. Lessons address supervision, briefings, navigation equipment, lifejacket reliability and emergency preparations, with additional analysis of synthetic mooring-line recoil.
- 20154 Aug
Two separate fatalities connected with the operation of UK registered workboat GPS Battler
Combined investigation of two drownings associated with GPS Battler: tender flooding off Almeria and a quay fall in Marin. The report examines tender suitability, vessel access, lifejacket use, recovery difficulties and safety-management compliance. Alcohol contributed to both accidents to varying degrees; emergency procedures were subsequently revised.
- 20158 May
Near-miss incidents: Crew transfer vehicles approaching wind turbines
Three crew transfer vessel incidents concern loss of alignment at wind turbine boat landings and steering faults. Two involved near collisions with monopiles; investigations of steering failures identified worn potentiometers. Recommendations address clearing the transfer platform, stopping transfers before repositioning and considering planned maintenance or replacement of control units.
- 20155 Feb
Near-miss: Man overboard
A master slipped into the sea during a bow-to-bow transfer between wind turbine crew transfer vessels following propulsion problems. He was recovered uninjured within several minutes. The flash examines premature transfer, communication with shore support, incorrectly secured lifejacket crotch straps and effective man-overboard recovery.
- 201410 Dec
Sikorsky S-61N Rotor Struck Tanker Mast During Marine-Pilot Winching
An AAIB investigation examines a Sikorsky S-61N rotor strike against a tanker mast during marine-pilot winching near Sullom Voe. It analyses deck clearances, flight recordings and crew decisions, without establishing whether ship or helicopter movement caused the strike. Recommendations address mixed SAR/CAT duties, information exchange and winching-zone markings.