Control
Safety Communication
Communication of hazards, controls and work coordination.
Newest 100 Documents
All 1,264 in search- 202628 Apr
BSEE Safety Alert 516 - BSEE Identifies Compressed Gas Cylinder Hazards During Risk-Based Inspections
Following reported cylinder-failure explosions, BSEE inspected 20 Gulf assets and identified gaps in cylinder marking knowledge, inspection programmes, maintenance and contractor assurance. The alert presents findings on storage, corrosion and recharging, and asks operators and contractors, where appropriate, to consider improved labelling, documented inspections, overpressure protection and training.
- 202628 Apr
Heaving line snap-back causes injury
A tensioned heaving line broke during berthing, causing quayside workers to fall. One suffered a head impact after an unsecured helmet chin strap allowed the helmet to shift. The flash identifies missing inspections, congestion and inadequate supervision, and recommends line checks, safer positioning and stopping unsafe work.
- 202627 Apr
Prevent Fires by Inspecting Cords, Plugs and Welding Leads Before Use
This alert reviews three incidents involving melting welding leads, flames at a cord connection and a tubing bender plug with a loose prong. It warns against applying water to potentially energised conductors and recommends that operators and contractors consider pre-use inspections, suitable electrical protection, hazard assessment and safety briefings.
- 202615 Apr
Death of seafarer due to fall from crane cabin
A seafarer cleaning a cargo crane cabin on an anchored vessel fell 12 m to the deck and died. The investigation identified probable window seal failure following removal of protective grating. Possible corrosion and glass weakening are discussed, alongside lessons on barrier integrity, structural inspection, routine-task risk assessment and warning signage.
- 202615 Apr
Unauthorised boarding and theft from vessel at anchor
This safety flash describes theft from crew cabins after unauthorised night-time boarding of an anchored vessel. It identifies inadequate vigilance, unsecured accommodation access and insufficient deck monitoring. Lessons address watchkeeping, locked non-emergency doors, security rounds, Ship Security Plan compliance, crew briefings and security drills.
- 202631 Mar
Staged WOMP submission process
NOPSEMA describes its preferred phased submission of well operations management plans, separating lifecycle management processes from construction, production and abandonment detail. The paper explains concept-selection and detailed-design submissions, risk registers, barrier acceptance criteria, change management and regulatory inspections, while allowing titleholders to retain their existing submission structure.
- 202624 Mar
MSF: High potential near miss during FRC maintenance
During sling replacement aboard a vessel, a fast rescue craft slipped from its davit cradle. Two crew members jumped into the sea and were recovered unharmed. The flash describes inadequate securing, a failed bowsing-line carabiner and gaps in work planning, including missing procedures, risk assessment and permit authorisation.
- 202617 Mar
MSF: Unsecured bulk hose near miss
An unsecured bulk hose slipped off a platform supply vessel’s deck during transfer in challenging weather, narrowly missing a crew member. The flash identifies communication problems, insufficient hose length and heavy weather as contributing factors, and stresses confirmed communications, radio maintenance and securing suitable equipment before operations.
- 202617 Mar
Working in a confined space without a Permit to Work
A safety walk-round identified crew removing pipes inside a sewage tank without a confined-space entry permit. Work was stopped and treated as a near miss. The flash examines assumptions arising from the tank’s clean appearance, missing entry safeguards and inadequate hazard identification, and stresses following procedures and confirming confined-space work with supervisors.
- 20263 Mar
BSEE: Falling corroded crane component results in near miss
A corroded crane boom cable runner fell approximately 16 m during maintenance on an offshore platform, landing approximately 6 m from personnel. The flash describes outstanding inspection repairs, incomplete hazard identification and absent barricades, with lessons on inactive equipment, dropped-object controls and workforce involvement in pre-job planning.
- 202613 Feb
BSEE: Miscommunication and trapped pressure causes injury during valve maintenance
An offshore valve-maintenance incident injured a worker when trapped gas pressure ejected a bonnet flange. This flash summarises BSEE findings on incomplete authorisation, inadequate isolation verification, miscommunication, unsafe scaffold use and omitted retaining nuts. Recommendations emphasise confirming zero stored energy, reviewing task assessments, following manufacturer instructions and considering two-person working.
- 202613 Feb
Fall from height during mooring due to rope tension reaction
A tanker’s propeller caught a mooring rope, loading a jetty dolphin platform until the line parted. The platform recoiled and a kneeling worker fell onto a lower platform about 1.8 metres below, sustaining minor scratches. The flash examines barrier design, body positioning, communication and keeping clear of tensioned lines.
- 202613 Feb
Positive: damage to Fast Rescue Craft davit wire rope caught before failure
Routine checks revealed a fracture at the socket termination of a fast rescue craft davit wire rope before failure occurred. An authorised service provider inspected and repaired the rope. The flash emphasises monthly maintenance, checks before every use, attention to load-bearing components and discussion of defects during crew safety meetings.
- 202612 Feb
Girting and capsize of tug Biter with the loss of two lives while assisting passenger vessel Hebridean Princess
Investigation of Biter’s fatal girting and capsize while assisting Hebridean Princess on the River Clyde. It examines towing speed, bridle loading, gob-rope securing, watertight integrity, operational exchanges and training. The precise reason for gob-rope rendering remained unresolved; post-salvage testing found the towing-hook release mechanism functional.
- 202611 Feb
Collision between the bulk carrier Polesie and the general cargo ship Verity resulting in the sinking of Verity and loss of five lives
Investigation of the German Bight collision between Polesie and Verity, which rapidly sank with five fatalities. It examines incremental collision-avoidance manoeuvres, navigation displays, late vessel traffic service intervention and duplex radio limitations, alongside flooding, search and rescue, and the constraints imposed by absent voyage data recorder evidence.
- 20264 Feb
BSEE Safety Alert 512 - Crane Incident During Well Abandonment Operations Injures Worker, Reveals Safety Gaps
A lifting pin failed and struck a worker during crane-assisted casing removal for well abandonment. Findings identify obstructed casing, excessive loading, misplaced sling connections and unsuitable procedures. Recommendations address free loads, correct equipment and rigging, accurate safe working loads, hazard awareness and stop-work authority.
- 2026Feb
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 11 (February 2026)
Six superyacht reports examine an unpermitted hull repair, a close-quarters encounter, grounding on uncharted coral, fuel-handling failure, hazardous acetone use in a bilge sump and premature anchor release. Commentary addresses reporting culture, collision avoidance, passage planning, fuel purification, respiratory protection limitations and confined-space precautions, emphasising communication and challenges to unsafe decisions.
- 202622 Jan
Umbilical support frame made contact with passing vehicle on public road
An umbilical support frame wing dropped during public-road transport and struck a passing vehicle. The flash identifies missing transport brackets, assumptions about retaining pins and absent securing instructions. Actions address drawing conformity, equipment marking, mobilisation and de-mobilisation verification, planning meetings and clear instructions for those moving specialist equipment.
- 202612 Jan
BSEE: arc flash incident – is the wire still live?
An offshore cable installation led to an arc flash when an electrician repositioned exposed wiring with non-insulated pliers inside an energised cabinet. The flash caused a minor thermal burn and panel damage. Findings highlight inadequate task analysis and communication; lessons address voltage verification, permits, suitable protective equipment and closed-loop coordination.
- 202612 Jan
High potential dropped object - cradle falls from trailer
Two cradle inserts fell from a trailer before lifting rigging was fully tensioned, with four personnel nearby but no injuries or equipment damage. The flash identifies unstable upright storage, premature removal of securing straps, deficient lift documentation and communication, and conflicting banksman duties. Lessons address lift planning and understanding load geometry.
- 2026Jan
Near-misses predict future incidents — Process Safety Beacon, January 2026
This bulletin explains how near-misses can reveal weaknesses in process safety systems before serious incidents occur. It places them within Tier 3 process safety metrics and encourages personnel to recognise and report events, understand company definitions, and ask about learning. Collected reports should be analysed for potentially serious trends.
- 2026Jan
The Offshore Workforce Engagement Inspection Guide
An inspection guide for assessing offshore dutyholders’ workforce engagement arrangements. It examines elected safety representatives, constituencies, committee meetings, consultation, training and paid time for representative functions. Pre-visit document requests and an inspection question set support compliance assessment, with enforcement expectations and guidance on recording performance scores.
- 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
LTI: Leg injury while using hand-held grinder
A worker cutting wood with a hand-held grinder suffered a serious calf injury when the tool slipped, struck the floor and bounced back. The flash discusses prompt power shutdown and medical care, tool suitability, omitted toolbox discussion and perceived time pressure behind choosing a grinder rather than a hand saw.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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.
- 20254 Dec
Positive – Enhancing safety communication through digital monitors
This positive safety flash describes digital monitors installed across a member’s vessels and offices to provide continuous access to lessons, policies and HSE updates in local languages. It highlights improved awareness and engagement, multilingual inclusion, stronger safety culture and reduced dependence on printed materials.
- 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.
- 20253 Dec
BSEE Safety Alert - 509 - Miscommunication and Trapped Pressure Causes Injury
An offshore contractor was injured when trapped gas pressure ejected a bonnet flange during control-valve maintenance. The alert identifies unverified isolation, missing authorisation, miscommunication, unsafe scaffold use and omitted retaining nuts. Recommendations address zero-energy verification, collaborative job safety analysis, operational support, fall protection and adherence to manufacturer procedures.
- 202517 Nov
Fingertip crush injury sustained during lifting operation
A rigger suffered fingertip crush injuries while guiding a pressure cap weighing over 2000 kg onto grillage. Its collar lowered as designed when the inner section landed, trapping fingers. Preliminary findings highlight equipment-specific lift planning, hands-free lifting, discussion of load hazards and stop-work authority.
- 202517 Nov
Stay in the right place – the importance of personal positioning
Two events illustrate unsafe personal positioning: a seafarer approached a deck edge during berthing to improve visibility, and workers pushed a suspended load during lifting alongside. The flash discusses communication, barriers, hands-free lifting tools, keeping outside load impact zones, clear decks and stopping unsafe work.
- 20257 Nov
Bunker hose obstructing emergency exit
A bunker hose on an offshore vessel prevented a stern emergency hatch from opening, potentially blocking escape. The flash discusses hose routing, crew supervision and incorporating engine-room escape into bunkering risk assessments and toolbox talks. It stresses keeping exits clear and asks whether barriers or signage could prevent obstruction.
- 20257 Nov
Involving the workforce guidance note
Guidance on involving workers in safety-case development, revision and implementation. It addresses participation in formal safety assessments, access to information, consultation records and consideration of feedback. Management commitment, representative structures, dedicated time, cooperation and relevant training underpin the approaches described, with mandatory requirements distinguished from recommendations.
- 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.
- 202529 Oct
Hazard identification guidance note
Guidance on systematic hazard identification for offshore petroleum facilities and its integration with formal safety assessment. It compares HAZOP, task analysis, FMEA, what-if and tree-based methods, explaining their limitations. Workforce participation, documented assumptions, justified exclusions and ongoing review support assessment of major accident hazards and wider health and safety risks.
- 202527 Oct
Injury after fall from vertical ladder
A crew member carrying a fire patrol device lost grip while climbing a vertical ladder and suffered a minor eyebrow cut after striking a steel bund. The flash examines inadequate ladder design and routine-task risk awareness, identifying possible ladder extensions, anti-slip paint, carrying aids and pre-task discussions.
- 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.
- 202516 Oct
Fatal injury to a recreational diver following contact with the motor vessel Karin operating as a recreational dive support vessel
Investigates a recreational diver’s fatal propeller strike during a drift decompression stop in Scapa Flow. Examines Karin’s obstructed forward visibility, ineffective lookout, marker-buoy attachment, vessel coordination and absent documented safety arrangements. Recommendations address harbour oversight, while the annexed bulletin discusses safe vessel separation and hand-held marker-buoy lines.
- 20252 Oct
Grounding and subsequent loss of the dive support vessel Jean Elaine
Investigation of Jean Elaine’s grounding and subsequent loss in Saint Peter’s Pool, Orkney, during scientific diving support. It examines inadequate passage planning, reliance on an unapproved tablet navigation application, ineffective coordination and unchecked certification. Poor hull condition likely contributed to failure after grounding; university and project procedures were subsequently revised.
- 20252 Oct
Worker suffered eye injuries in electric arc incident
A vessel electro-technical officer suffered light eye burns from an electrical arc while disconnecting a shore power cable that appeared still energised. Initial findings identified inadequate vessel–quayside communication and documentation. The flash emphasises voltage testing, isolation, improved communication, risk assessments and toolbox talks.
- 2025Oct
Refinery Cooling Tower Explosion and Fire — Process Safety Beacon, October 2025
A refinery cooling tower incident in India illustrates how hydrocarbons leaking from a heat exchanger can accumulate in cooling water pipework and escape during commissioning. Ignition was likely associated with nearby hot work. The bulletin discusses exchanger vulnerability, start-up hazards and notifying nearby workers so they can suspend work.
- 202530 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 506 - Arc Flash Incident Highlights Critical Need for Voltage Verification During Offshore Electrical Maintenance
An offshore platform cable installation resulted in an arc flash and a minor thermal burn when an electrician used non-insulated pliers inside an energised motor control centre. The alert identifies deficient task analysis and communication, recommending de-energised working where feasible, insulated tools, arc-rated protection, coordinated cable movements and competency assurance.
- 202530 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 508 -Review anchor-handling plans now Incident damages subsea equipment triggers gas release
A diver support vessel recovering bow anchors snagged a subsea well with an anchor wire. Attempts to free it detached the annulus valve, releasing gas. The alert identifies deficient planning, contractor coordination and emergency readiness, and recommends that operators and contractors consider stronger pre-mobilisation checks, SIMOPS arrangements and anchor-handling plans.
- 202511 Sep
Man overboard from fishing vessel Kingfisher (DH 110) with the loss of 1 life
This investigation examines a fatal overboard accident during manual creel shooting on Kingfisher. A toggle passed through a loose flotation-device becket, attaching a deckhand to fishing gear that pulled him underwater. It analyses equipment compatibility, uncommunicated snagging hazards, ineffective risk assessments and incomplete training, and records recovery efforts and subsequent safety actions.
- 20254 Sep
Hand crushed during coiled tubing reel handling
A worker suffered severe hand injuries and partial amputations of three fingers while aligning a coiled tubing reel into a cradle. A securing frame shifted and trapped the hand. The flash identifies entrapment-prone design, inadequate instructions and incomplete risk assessment, recommending hands-free guiding, equipment familiarisation and improved toolbox talks.
- 2025Sep
Several errors lead to a hydrogen leak & fire — Process Safety Beacon, September 2025
This bulletin examines a hydrogen filling incident in Santa Clara in which a trainee inadvertently restarted filling while piping was dismantled for repair. Escaping hydrogen ignited, producing a deflagration and jet fire. It emphasises isolation procedures, authorised repairs, understandable controls and clear instructions for newer employees.
- 202521 Aug
Serious injury to a passenger on the sea safari rigid inflatable boat Lundy Explorer
Investigates a passenger’s permanent spinal injury during wave-induced slamming aboard Lundy Explorer at Ilfracombe. Examines forward jockey seating, passenger bracing, safety briefings, sea-condition decisions and regulatory gaps. Records restrictions on forward-seat use and recommends improved operating procedures and risk assessments within a safety management system.
- 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.
- 202514 Aug
Head Injury in Engine Room
A Chief Engineer suffered a head laceration after striking a sharp lighting protection grille rod in an engine room. The grille stood 168 cm above deck and had unprotected ends. The flash discusses overlooked installation hazards, absent head protection, and considering hazard hunts, design changes, padding, marking and reminders.
- 202514 Aug
Injury sustained while operating steel lifting magnet
A crew member suffered a cheek cut requiring fifteen stitches when a steel lifting magnet’s spring-loaded lever recoiled during adjustment. The flash also describes an earlier chin injury involving the same magnet. It examines lever accessibility, maintenance gaps and faded warnings, recommending regular inspection, fault reporting and equipment suitability evaluation.
- 202514 Aug
Shore-side crane boom collides with vessel mast
A dock crane boom struck a vessel mast during shipyard lifting, dislodging wind and GPS sensors onto the deck. The flash describes poor visibility, ineffective banksman positioning and crane movement without signals. Discussion actions emphasise banksman roles, clear communication and providing dockyard management with vessel layout and dimensions before operations.
- 2025Aug
Excavators : Use of safety control lever or isolation devices
This safety notice addresses unintended excavator movement and correct use of safety control levers or isolation devices. It describes a fatal crushing during lifting after inadvertent joystick contact caused slewing, and sets out expectations for isolation, monitoring, safe-approach communication, risk assessment and operator and slinger competence.
- 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.
- 202531 Jul
Diver sustains laceration to right hand
A diver retrieving tooling during air/nitrox diving at 18 m suffered a deep right-thumb laceration when vessel movement parted a weak link and drew his hand towards a snatch block. The flash describes downline slack, hand positioning, full recovery, and changes to the downline arrangement and tool bag to reduce line-of-fire exposure.
- 202510 Jul
Man overboard from creel fishing vessel Nista (LK121) with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal overboard accident involving Nista’s lone skipper during creel shooting near Luing. Entanglement in the back rope pulled him underwater. The report examines deck layout, personal flotation, alarm access, self-recovery and risk assessment, and discusses outstanding industry recommendations on single-handed fishing safety guidance.
- 20253 Jul
LTI: Hand injury during capstan maintenance
A crew member suffered a serious hand injury while greasing a vessel capstan when rotation trapped his hand between an underside wire clamp and the deck. The flash examines difficult access and grease-gun design, describing grease-point extensions, clamp removal, revised maintenance procedures and wider inspections for line-of-fire hazards.
- 202518 Jun
Lock out/Tag out and unauthorised electrical connections/disconnections
This flash describes missing electrical and mechanical lockouts identified during a vessel engine-room audit, alongside unauthorised electrical disconnections and bypasses. It emphasises suitable lockout devices, documented approval of temporary modifications, restoration checks and clear handovers. Possible links to dynamic positioning trials are presented as assumptions rather than established causes.
- 202518 Jun
NTSB: Vessel crane contact with shore-side crane
This safety flash summarises an NTSB investigation into a crane barge contacting a dockside crane while being pushed at North Charleston Terminal. The probable cause was failure to identify the overhead hazard. Lessons highlight projecting dockside cranes, vessel air draft and bridge crews’ knowledge of vessel dimensions.
- 20254 Jun
BSEE: Failure to identify and restrict access to faulty gratings
A worker installing a pump supported himself on nearby piping when corroded grating beneath scaffolding boards failed. Previously installed barricades had been removed to allow work. The flash highlights checks on surface integrity, protection of openings and clear expectations for rigid barricades restricting access to unsafe areas.
- 20254 Jun
Injury to thumb during lifting operations
During vessel demobilisation alongside, a crew member injured his thumb when a crane-held load was lowered onto a flatbed trailer while he repositioned a wooden block. The flash identifies unclear signalling and possible perceived pressure, and recommends lift planning, toolbox talks, agreed communication protocols and safe positioning around loads.
- 20253 Jun
TS USA Molten Salt Eruption
Investigates the fatal molten-salt eruption at TS USA’s Chattanooga facility on 30 May 2024. Retained water in a plugged roller generated pressure before entering the oxidising bath and producing a steam explosion. Examines drainage hazards, reprocessing procedures, training, protective barriers and failures to share learning from earlier incidents.
- 202516 May
Person injured when unsecured grating gave away
A worker securing sea-fastening lashings slipped through unfinished walkway grating beside a Multiple Reel Drive System, sustaining shoulder discomfort and leg abrasions. The hot-work subcontractor had been redirected before completing installation. Lessons address assessing risks from unfinished work, communicating its status, barricading access and checking worksite safety.
- 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.
- 2025May
Risk from height adjustable display screen stands in schools and other education settings
This HSE safety notice addresses impact and crushing risks from motorised height-adjustable display mounts in education settings, including incidents injuring young children. It explains instability, unsuitable fixings and obstructed movement, and sets out responsibilities for users, installers, purchasers and suppliers, emphasising risk assessment, anti-collision protection and restricted access to controls.
- 202529 Apr
Detergent chemical burn
An electrician and trainee suffered slight chemical burns from leaked detergent during dishwasher repairs aboard a vessel. Electrical isolation was addressed, but corrosive detergent hazards and labelling were overlooked. The flash highlights secondary hazards, stakeholder involvement, clear hazard identification and appropriate PPE for unidentified liquids.
- 202529 Apr
Person fractured foot during elevator inspection
A worker fractured their foot during a vessel elevator inspection when released trunk doors disengaged the interlock, allowing upward cage movement before local service mode was activated. The flash identifies an unfollowed manufacturer procedure, absent toolbox talk and inadequate communication, and calls for applicable work controls and risk assessment.
- 202529 Apr
Positive findings and good practices
This safety flash shares positive vessel practices covering machinery lockout/tagout, mooring-deck markings and engine-room housekeeping. It highlights protection against unexpected energisation, recommends warnings about potential snapback across the entire mooring deck, and describes how orderly engine rooms reduce slip, trip and fire hazards while supporting maintenance.
- 202516 Apr
BSEE: Crane safety awareness during offshore helideck operations
An offshore helicopter landing nearly ended in collision when a crane operator raised the boom as the aircraft was 10 feet from touchdown. The pilots performed a successful go-around. Drawing on BSEE findings, the flash highlights procedural enforcement, communication and coordination, with recommendations also applicable to vessel approaches and simultaneous operations.
- 202516 Apr
USCG: Hazardous Zone Markings and Safety Protocol Awareness
This flash summarises a USCG alert about a fire aboard a tri-fuel vessel. A failed purge valve actuator released LNG vapours near crew working above the pilothouse; a lighter ignited the fumes, severely injuring both crewmembers. Recommendations emphasise clear hazardous-zone markings and crew awareness of hazardous-area conditions.
- 2025Apr
Knowing ‘why’ makes tasks safer — Process Safety Beacon, April 2025
This bulletin compares valve actuator removal incidents in La Porte in 2021 and Baton Rouge in 2016. It highlights missing procedures and training, and stresses understanding why critical tasks follow specified steps. Recommendations include illustrated instructions, signed checklists, demonstrated competence and checking procedures against field conditions.
- 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.
- 20256 Mar
Diver lifted off seabed
A diver’s umbilical snagged on another bell’s clump weight, lifting the diver approximately 4–5 m above the seabed during adjustment. Services remained intact. The flash describes stopping the operation and clearing the umbilical, and recommends second-diver or ROV monitoring when divers pass close to objects being lifted.
- 20256 Mar
Divers helmet struck and damaged subsea by crane hook
A crane hook slipped from a pipe handling frame during subsea spool tie-in work in poor visibility, striking and irreparably damaging a diver’s reclaim helmet without injury. The flash identifies insufficient pennant length and discusses safe separation, position monitoring, reinforced communication, rigging inspections and revised task hazard analysis.
- 20256 Mar
Person fell in engine room and injured head
An oiler working alone suffered head injuries after a pipe used to reposition a heavy cylinder head slipped, causing him to fall backwards from an unprotected elevated area. The flash highlights underestimated task complexity, familiarity and inadequate lever insertion, and recommends barriers, serious toolbox talks and avoiding lone working where possible.
- 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.
- 202526 Feb
Contact with pier by paddle steamer Waverley
Investigation of Waverley’s contact with Brodick pier on 3 September 2020, injuring 24 passengers and crew. Engine dead centre delayed astern propulsion. The report examines piston valve securing, lost engineering expertise, informal training and unassessed closed-end berthing risks. It records subsequent maintenance and operational changes, with no recommendations made.
- 202520 Feb
LTI: Fall from height during FRC maintenance
A mechanic reinstalling a fast rescue boat engine on a laid-up vessel lost balance while standing on a cable-covering pipe and fell 2.33 m to the main deck, fracturing his left leg. The flash identifies absent fall protection, risk assessment, toolbox discussion and supervision, and stresses planning and stop-work authority.
- 202520 Feb
Near miss: narrowly avoided fall from height due to missing deck gratings
A Chief Engineer narrowly avoided a 4–5 m fall through a missing mezzanine grating during docking. Worksite barriers had been removed after machinery lifting, while a secondary ladder access remained unprotected. The flash examines overlooked access routes, delayed grating replacement and the yard’s subsequent emphasis on vigilance in task planning.
- 20256 Feb
Safety warning issued following Egyptian liveaboard dive boat accidents in the Red Sea resulting in the loss of life
This MAIB bulletin examines three Egyptian liveaboard dive boat casualties in the Red Sea. It identifies inadequate stability, deficient lifesaving and fire protection arrangements, obstructed escape provisions and poor briefings and crew training. Customers are advised to use recognised vendors offering safety assurance and request thorough onboard briefings before departure.
- 20256 Feb
Saturation diver exposed to chemicals from pipeline
A saturation diver suffered chemical burns after exposure to chemically treated seawater while disconnecting a pigging/flushing hose during decommissioning. The flash identifies uncertainty over flushing and absent engineered barriers. Lessons address understanding pipeline contents, hazard analysis, amended procedures, valve isolation and securing, and reducing exposure through local valves.
- 2025Feb
Communication is the key to safer operations — Process Safety Beacon, February 2025
A bulletin examines unclear torque instructions during pipefitting work that led to a hydrogen chloride release and workers falling while escaping. It contrasts equipment manuals with design drawings and promotes clear written instructions, field demonstrations of critical tasks, worksite permit reviews and radio message repeat-back.
- 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.
- 202417 Dec
LTI: fall from height during anchor chain handling operation
A bosun on an anchor handling tug supply vessel fell through a gap between chain barriers while passing a tugger wire, landing 2.75 m below and sustaining fractures. The flash identifies unstable footing and inadequate task assessment, and recommends secure access, detailed risk assessment, crew communication and stronger supervision.
- 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.
- 20246 Dec
Environmental Alert 002/2024
This alert highlights reduced operator notifications of offshore installation movements, leaving navigation warnings inaccurate or outdated. It reminds operators to meet Consent to Locate conditions, including informing UKHO and MCA at least 48 hours before installations arrive on location, and relays UKHO’s requested movement notification stages.
- 202427 Nov
LTI: Finger injury during emergency recovery of ROV
During emergency ROV recovery using an FRC and crane, a worker’s left ring finger was pinched while releasing a hook secured to the crane wire, causing amputation to approximately the nail bed. The flash identifies an unplanned, unassessed release step and records revised procedures, risk assessment and regular recovery training.
- 202421 Nov
Mooring deck accident on bulk carrier Mona Manx with loss of 1 life
Investigation into a fatal mooring accident aboard Mona Manx at Puerto Ventanas, Chile. An entrapped spring line released under tension during an engine-powered astern manoeuvre and recoiled upwards, striking the second officer. The report examines procedural gaps, omitted entrapment risks, safe positioning and communication, and records subsequent safety actions.
- 202411 Nov
BSEE: person fell through open hatch
A worker injured his leg and knee after falling through a hatch opening whose damaged cover had been removed. This flash summarises BSEE findings on situational awareness, fall protection and hazard communication, alongside measures operators and contractors should consider, where appropriate, including barricades, safety gates and spotters.
- 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.
- 20245 Nov
BSEE Safety Alert 491 - Vigilance Required in Offshore Helideck Operations
A helicopter approaching an offshore helideck avoided collision by going around after a crane boom was raised near the landing area. The alert identifies communication and procedural enforcement shortcomings. BSEE recommends operators and contractors consider crane-movement suspension, coordinated communications, helideck checks, training and routine audits.
- 2024Nov
Risk of exposure of laboratory staff to biological agents due to missing clinical information
This safety notice addresses infection risks in clinical and veterinary diagnostic laboratories when specimen requests lack relevant clinical information. It describes exposures involving Hazard Group 3 agents and calls for better request forms, staff training, sample-processing procedures, linked patient specimens and IT systems that make updated clinical details accessible to laboratory staff.
- 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.
- 202410 Oct
BSEE Safety Alert 490 - Helideck Condition Notifications and Verification
A helicopter pilot diverted after discovering that an offshore helideck’s capacity had been reduced from its published rating of 12,000 lbs to 6,000 lbs. The alert examines delayed notification and recommends considering verified capacity information, verbal checks before flight and landing, updated procedures, marking recognition training and prompt communication of changes.
- 202410 Oct
Safety warning issued following the foundering of fishing vessel Argos Georgia with the loss of 13 lives
This safety bulletin presents initial findings from the foundering of Argos Georgia, with 13 lives lost. Its side shell door opened and could not be closed; open internal doors allowed further flooding. Fishing-vessel owners, operators and skippers are urged to assess shell-door risks, implement mitigations and inform crews.
- 202427 Sep
Fall from height on bulk carrier Equinox Seas with loss of 1 life
This investigation examines a fitter’s fatal fall of approximately 10 m through an engine room ventilation trunk aboard Equinox Seas during shipyard maintenance. It identifies inadequate barriers, unassessed fan-removal risks and poor safety coordination, and discusses permit systems, hazard communication and improvements to ship repair safety management.
- 202425 Sep
Tampering with approved safety devices
A client inspection found a homemade clamp holding open a self-closing valve on a vessel’s lubricating oil storage tank. Installed to save time, the modification had escaped routine checks. The flash highlights safety-device integrity, adherence to procedures and proper approval or management of change for equipment modifications.