Equipment
Ladder
Portable or fixed ladders used for access.
Newest 100 Documents
All 128 in search- 202620 Aug
Man overboard from the lone-operated creel fishing vessel Sea Eagle (AH18) resulting in one presumed fatality
MAIB investigates the presumed loss of Sea Eagle’s lone skipper off Montrose. The mechanism of entry into the water remains unknown. Analysis examines semi-self-shooting creel operations, increased entanglement risk when carrying two strings, incomplete risk assessments, cold-water exposure and limitations on raising the alarm and self-recovery.
- 202628 Jul
Man overboard from the bulk carrier World Prize with the loss of 1 life
This investigation examines a bosun’s fatal fall into the sea during combination-ladder rigging on World Prize. It analyses normalised unsafe practices, ineffective supervision, permit compliance, incompatible flotation and harness equipment, and radio shortages. Pilot-boat recovery capability and training gaps are examined alongside subsequent corrective actions; no recommendations were made.
- 202630 Apr
Double man overboard from the fishing vessel Weston Bay (GY123) with the loss of 1 life
Investigation into two deckhands entering the water during pot deployment aboard Weston Bay, with one death. It examines manual downstacking, exposure to running gear, loss of flotation support and failed recovery equipment, alongside deficiencies in emergency drills, risk assessments, crew task allocation and safety training. The second deckhand’s entry mechanism remains unknown.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 20252 Oct
Crane cab access platform collapsed
A vessel crane’s cab access platform collapsed as the operator climbed the ladder, causing a fall partially mitigated by its enclosure without injury. Hidden weld cracking and corrosion caused the failure. The flash questions inspection access, alternative testing and contractor oversight, and stresses surface preparation before repainting.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
MAIB: Step-ladder failure (LTI)
A crew member fell when a folding stepladder’s top-step support welds failed, sustaining back and head injuries. MAIB considered pre-existing damage almost certain; the ladder was not overloaded. The flash stresses thorough pre-use inspection, equipment upkeep and a just culture supporting honest incident reporting.
- 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.
- 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.
- 202429 Aug
LTI – person fell from step ladder
A worker maintaining a tool aboard a vessel lost balance when the vessel pitched and fell from an unsecured two-step ladder, fracturing a rib. The flash identifies inadequate risk mitigations and insufficiently robust equipment, and describes securing access equipment and a planned fabricated access point to replace the temporary ladder.
- 202422 Jan
Person injured going down ladder
A worker descending a fixed carousel manhole ladder lost his footing and fell approximately 87 cm. His helmet came off and his head struck a steel structure. The flash discusses possible contributions from misjudgement, an unsecured chinstrap and poor lighting, and records lighting improvements and reminders to secure PPE correctly.
- 20244 Jan
Rig worker falls while descending derrick ladder
A worker slipped while descending a derrick ladder after untying a lashed double stand of drill pipe. The worker had connected a full-body harness to the fall-arrest system’s cable sleeve before descending, but fell 6–7 ft (approximately 2 m) onto an intermediate platform.
- 2024
CHIRP Annual Digest 2024
This annual compilation brings together anonymised maritime incident reports and commentary on crew welfare, vessel design, engineering, deck work and navigation. Cases examine enclosed-space entry, mooring injuries, pilot ladders, machinery hazards and groundings. Discussion emphasises leadership, communication, work permits, training and lessons for conventional and autonomous vessel operations.
- 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.
- 2024
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2024
A collection of marine accident accounts and preventive lessons spanning merchant shipping, commercial fishing and recreational boating. Cases examine steering and propulsion failures, mooring injuries, grounding, fire, flooding and capsize. Lessons address maintenance, navigation, risk assessment, equipment interfaces, watertight integrity and emergency evacuation, alongside reproduced safety bulletins and flyers.
- 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.
- 202315 Aug
LTI – Person fractured pelvis in a fall from a ladder
A crew member fractured his pelvis after slipping from a temporary cargo-hold access ladder aboard a cargo vessel. The flash examines blocked permanent access, an unprotected platform edge, absent risk assessment and change management, and unchallenged subcontractor standards. Actions address contractor assurance, supervision, stop-work authority and safe access.
- 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.
- 2023
CHIRP Fisher Feedback Autumn 2023
CHIRP’s first commercial fishing newsletter examines pot-line propeller fouling, a conveyor fingertip injury, a lone fisher falling overboard, failed trawl hoisting, a ferry collision and recovered unexploded ordnance. Case commentary discusses maintenance isolation, work communication, wire-rope inspection, harbour navigation and personal emergency signalling and self-rescue arrangements.
- 2023
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 72 (Autumn 2023)
This maritime digest examines an averted mooring-line failure, a lithium-ion battery cargo fire, contractor fatigue, a diver’s propeller injury, tanker engine-control difficulties and a fisher’s overboard rescue. It discusses mooring design, dangerous-goods packing, rest arrangements, diver visibility, emergency teamwork and personal rescue equipment, alongside two improper cargo-stowage reports.
- 2023
CHIRP 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
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2023
A multi-case marine safety digest draws lessons from navigation incidents, fires, falls, cargo lifting, mooring injuries and fishing casualties. Case analyses examine communication, electrical work, lifejacket use and recovery arrangements. Reproduced bulletins and flyers address fuel-hose modifications, liferaft servicing, carbon monoxide poisoning and fatal man-overboard incidents.
- 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.
- 202222 Sep
Capsize of single-handed creel fishing vessel Goodway with loss of 1 life
Investigation into Goodway’s unwitnessed capsize near Cairnbulg and the presumed loss of its lone owner. The report identifies freeing snagged creels using engine power as the most likely sequence, examines cold-water survival and reboarding arrangements, and explains why the purchased AIS/DSC personal locator beacon was unsuitable as an EPIRB alternative.
- 202216 Jun
Person overboard from single-handed creel fishing vessel Saint Peter with loss of 1 life
Investigates the fatal overboard accident involving Saint Peter’s lone skipper during creel shooting near Torness Point. Probable rope entanglement, cold-water shock and inability to reboard are examined. The report analyses deck separation, flotation, boarding arrangements and distress signalling, finding that the inflated flotation device prevented drowning but did not ensure survival.
- 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.
- 202212 May
Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders
This safety flash highlights Ladder Association guidance LA455 for workplace use of portable leaning ladders and stepladders. It summarises equipment suitability, stable positioning, securing, pre-use checks and inspection records. Alternative equipment is recommended where a task would require more than 30 minutes at a time on a ladder.
- 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
CHIRP Annual Digest 2022
A compilation of maritime cases published during 2022, with commentary and supporting insight articles. Reports examine navigation, pilot boarding, mooring, towing, engineering maintenance and working conditions. Discussions address communication, bridge-team challenge, pressurised equipment, harness arrangements, risk assessment, permits and training, alongside examples of unsafe practice and effective intervention.
- 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.
- 202128 Oct
Defective embarkation ladder quarantined – a reminder
Routine inspection aboard a vessel in a tropical environment found embarkation ladder rope weak enough to break when pulled by hand. Preliminary causes included inadequate covering, poor inspection culture and seawater and sunlight exposure. The flash recommends careful storage, planned maintenance checks and immediate removal of defective ladders.
- 202128 Oct
USCG: Corrosion causing structural failure on accommodation ladders
This flash summarises a USCG alert about corrosion of accommodation ladder turntable pins. A pin failed during ladder stowage, causing a crew member to fall approximately 30 feet and suffer serious injuries. The Coast Guard strongly recommends pin maintenance, periodic inspection, replacement when necessary and inclusion in ladder maintenance plans.
- 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.
- 20214 Mar
Failure of natural fibre rope in embarkation ladder
Inspection of a lifeboat embarkation ladder revealed natural fibre rope failure at its securing thimble. Abrasion arose from contact between the rope eye and a metal deck strong point, with insufficient anchor-point clearance. The flash recommends scheduled inspections, checks before and after use, internal rope examination and assessment of damaged components.
- 20214 Mar
Three man overboard fatalities
This safety flash summarises two bulk-carrier incidents involving three fatalities. Waves washed two crew members overboard while they secured mooring ropes; a bosun drowned while rigging a combination pilot ladder in darkness. It highlights absent lifejackets and securing arrangements, an unsuccessful search, and stopping work when in doubt.
- 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.
- 2021
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2021
A collection of merchant, fishing and recreational vessel cases examines navigation errors, mooring hazards, machinery fires, flooding and immersion. Lessons address task planning, supervision, maintenance, enclosed-space precautions and emergency readiness. Appendices list investigations and reports and reproduce provisional guidance on anchor failures during prolonged cruise-ship anchoring.
- 202016 Dec
Unexpected truck movement caused rigger to fall off a ladder
A rigger bruised his leg after a container truck moved while he was removing its final chain hook from a ladder. The flash identifies missing driver briefing, incomplete risk assessment and non-use of the permitted work platform, and calls for clearer communication and formal work controls for third-party drivers.
- 202010 Nov
Falls from step ladders
Two step-ladder falls injured a crewman and a forklift operator during descent. The accounts identify unsecured or unstable ladders, uneven decking, damage and missing task safeguards. The flash highlights pre-use checks, routine inspection, quarantine of damaged ladders, risk assessment, toolbox talks and stable positioning.
- 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.
- 20206 Mar
High potential LTI: Rigger ear injury
A rigger removing temporary rigging aboard a vessel suffered partial severing of his left ear after moving crane access ladders trapped his head against a railing. The flash identifies shortcomings in awareness, communication and modification assessment, and sets out actions addressing access barriers, dynamic risk assessment and documented management of change.
- 202030 Jan
Poor condition of on-board equipment
Vessel safety walk-arounds identified a used galley fire blanket returned to storage and damaged step ladders still in service. The flash describes missed inspections and procedural failures, calling for thorough checklist checks, immediate incident reporting, monthly ladder inspection and labelling, removal of damaged ladders and renewed emphasis on pre-start checks.
- 20209 Jan
Fall on board fishing vessel Artemis with loss of 1 life
Investigates the skipper’s fatal fall through a wheelhouse hatch aboard Artemis in Kilkeel harbour. The report examines altered access arrangements, a near-vertical ladder without handrails and alcohol impairment. The precise initiating event remained uncertain. Recommendations address access design, drug and alcohol policies, and fishermen’s work agreements.
- 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.
- 2019Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2019
A collection of marine accident lessons spanning merchant shipping, commercial fishing and recreational boating. Cases examine collisions, grounding, machinery failures, falls, fires and people overboard. Discussions emphasise passage planning, bridge teamwork, equipment maintenance, lifejackets, realistic recovery arrangements and emergency drills, with reproduced bulletins on vehicle-deck safety and retractable ballast securing.
- 20195 Jul
Sprained ankle whilst climbing on equipment
A crewman sprained his ankle after slipping from a cable rack inside an offshore wind turbine transition piece. The rack was unsuitable for climbing, and access had not been addressed in the risk assessment or procedure. Lessons emphasise safe access, appropriate ladders and platforms, and stopping work when safe access cannot be established.
- 201913 Feb
BSEE: Worker injured in fall from height into water
A mechanic replacing a platform crane valve lost grip or footing while descending a ladder and fell into water approximately 24 m below. The flash discusses missing fall protection, non-use of a required work vest and an incomplete job safety analysis, alongside recommendations on procedures, competence and response planning.
- 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.
- 201819 Nov
Safety Alert 343 - Working at Heights - Near or Over Water
A crane mechanic fell 81 feet into water while moving onto a ladder during anti-two block control valve replacement. He wore neither fall protection nor a work vest, and the JSA omitted the fall hazard. BSEE recommends operators consider reviewing elevated-work procedures, personnel competence and rescue planning.
- 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.
- 201811 Jul
Preventing unauthorised access onto scaffolding and other work platforms
HSE alert addressing public access to construction scaffolds, particularly by children, and associated falls from height. It sets out site assessment, perimeter and local fencing, bottom-lift ladder removal and ladder-guard requirements. It also addresses scaffold contracts, security reviews and maintaining designated fire escape routes from occupied buildings.
- 2018Apr
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2018
A collection of marine accident lessons covering merchant, fishing and recreational vessels. Cases examine collisions, groundings, flooding, fires and personnel injuries, with attention to navigation, towing, maintenance and emergency readiness. Equipment-specific discussions include pilot-ladder deterioration, bilge-pump blockage, carbon monoxide alarms and safety-tether hook deformation under lateral loading.
- 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.
- 20172 Aug
LTI: Injury to right wrist
A vessel engineer sustained a lost-time wrist/forearm injury when a drill snagged in metal tubing, spun and struck him while working from a ladder platform. The flash discusses inadequate supervision, overlooked changes in task height and deficient work planning, including the possibility of pre-drilling at deck level.
- 20172 Jun
Fatal fall aboard the tanker Marinor
This flash describes a fatal ladder fall aboard Marinor at sea. An able seaman assigned to remove rust and paint a lifeboat turnbuckle subsequently sought to lubricate a forward hook. The ladder slipped despite the bosun’s assistance. No permit had been issued for the original low-level maintenance task.
- 201728 Mar
Pilot ladder requirements
A pilot in an Australian port identified a newly supplied pilot ladder that failed to meet IMO or ISO standards. The flash reminds members to specify compliant ladders with knot-free steps, check new ladders before use, and ensure officers verify condition, fitness for purpose and proper securing before rigging and use.
- 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.
- 201613 Sep
Dropped object fell from crane – Poor communication/lack of awareness/control of work
A vessel crane’s rotating ladder caught a CCTV camera temporarily secured after maintenance. The 5.8 kg camera fell approximately 3 m before its data cable arrested it. The flash examines missed shift-handover communication, inadequate pre-use inspection and failures in routine-duty approval, alongside permit-to-work and access-control lessons.
- 201612 Jul
Routine’ task, non-routine result: A fall from a crane ladder leads to an LTI
An Able Seaman slipped while descending a fixed crane ladder and fell backwards from a height of half a metre, developing lower back pain. The investigation identified loose hand grip and reduced focus on a routine task. Preventative actions emphasised secure footing, unhurried descent and keeping safety shoes and gloves free of oil or grease.
- 201622 Jun
Man overboard from stern trawler Enterprise with loss of 1 life
Investigates the fatal loss of Enterprise’s skipper during net repairs in rough North Sea weather. The report examines unprotected shooting ports, slippery footing, absent lifejacket use and inadequate risk assessment. It analyses difficulties with casualty recovery, delayed distress alerting and insufficient preparation for the skipper’s incapacitation.
- 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.
- 20152 Dec
Person overboard from twin rig trawler Beryl with loss of 1 life
Investigates a fatal overboard accident on Beryl after a deckhand stood on a trawl net while freeing a snagged float. Examines unsuccessful recovery attempts, lifejacket use, Markusnet limitations, rough-sea conditions and cold exposure. Recommendations address realistic recovery drills, equipment familiarity and using risk assessments to influence behaviour.
- 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.
- 20152 Oct
Dropped object near-miss: Lifting
Twelve lightweight steel plates fell during transfer to a vessel work platform, landing in a barricaded area without injuries. The flash identifies restricted receiving space, inadequate supervisory planning, mixed plate sizes in one load, deficient risk assessment and failures in the pre-job toolbox talk.
- 20152 Oct
Fall from height in a confined space
An employee descending a ladder to remove cellar-wall tie rods fell 2.5 m while repositioning a single-hook safety lanyard. The flash records restricted working conditions and shortcomings in equipment, protective methods, knowledge, procedures and supervision. Rescue personnel assisted a medic before crane-assisted extraction and ambulance transfer.
- 20153 Mar
Near-miss: Manual handling in the office
An office storeroom near miss involved a fluorescent tube sliding towards a person’s face while an unmarked box was moved from a high shelf. Nothing fell and nobody was injured. Actions included assisted retrieval using a ladder, sealing and labelling the box, floor-level storage, assigned responsibility and supervised access.
- 20148 Sep
Marine Safe Australia – Hand injuries
This flash summarises three hand injuries: squeezing at a folding ladder hinge, an index-finger fracture and deep laceration involving an unguarded generator V-belt, and partial thumb amputation while manually rotating an air-compressor belt assembly to check tension. The cases highlight hinge and belt–pulley trapping hazards.
- 2014Sep
Person overboard while climbing on stern trawler New Dawn to access stern trawler Horizon II, with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal boarding fall at Royal Quays marina, North Shields. Horizon II’s skipper fell while climbing New Dawn’s guardrails. The report examines hazardous access arrangements, alcohol, wet surfaces, unimplemented risk-assessment measures and delayed recovery, and records marina improvements and recommendations for safer berth access.
- 20147 Aug
High potential dropped object incident
During collection of technicians from a wind turbine, a ratchet and two sockets fell approximately 15 m onto a workboat, narrowly missing a crewman. Nobody was injured. The flash identifies unsecured tools carried during ladder descent and recommends bagged crane transfer and buddy checks for loose objects and correct PPE use.
- 2014Aug
Person overboard from passenger ferry Snowdrop resulting in recovery of a young child from the water
Investigation of a three-year-old child’s fall from Snowdrop at Seacombe ferry terminal. It examines how seating beside guardrails enabled climbing, the limitations of passenger warnings and supervision, and the crew’s rescue. Cold water impaired the rescuer, while emergency communications were delayed. Subsequent actions included removing adjacent seating.
- 201416 Apr
Near-miss incidents during personnel transfer to offshore renewable energy installations
Three near misses during workboat transfers to offshore wind turbines involved marine growth exposed by exceptionally low tides and bow slippage during an unexpected wave trough. The flash describes ineffective ladder scraping, revised cleaning methods and transfer procedures addressing fall-arrest tag-line slack and the Master's responsibility for wave monitoring and crew warnings.
- 201420 Feb
Fatality in ballast water tank – working at height in a confined space
A crewman suffered a fatal fall while climbing out of a vessel’s ballast tank after air-quality checks. His gas detector became trapped between him and the ladder. The flash examines absent fall protection, missing entry authorisation and training deficiencies, with lessons on safe climbing, risk assessment and confined-space rescue arrangements.
- 2014
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2014
This marine accident digest presents lessons from merchant vessels, fishing boats and small craft, including republished articles on kill cords. Cases examine navigation, lifeboat access, equipment failures, fires, flooding and overboard emergencies. Recommendations address maintenance, testing, communication and emergency preparation; appendices list investigations and reproduce safety bulletins.
- 201329 Nov
MSF: Lost time injury (LTI): Pilot ladder failure
This safety flash summarises a Marine Safety Forum incident involving simultaneous failure of both pilot-ladder ropes. The pilot fell approximately two metres onto the launch deck and sustained an ankle injury resulting in lost time. The full report is available on request from the Forum.
- 201329 Nov
Pilot ladder safety
Two shipboard cases reveal rotten ladder ropes concealed beneath heat-shrunk plastic around thimble eyes. A pilot ladder side rope parted during boarding, while inspection of lifeboat embarkation ladders identified similar deterioration. The flash stresses regular inspection of every part of ropes deployed aboard vessels.
- 2013Aug
Person overboard from beam trawler Vidar with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal man-overboard accident from the Belgian beam trawler Vidar off Milford Haven. Rough seas swept a deckhand from a walkway. The report examines deck-work risk assessment, passage monitoring, unused lifejackets and locator beacons, cold water shock, and difficulties recovering him without dedicated equipment or practised drills.
- 20139 May
Lost time injury (LTI): Fall from height
A technician descending from an ROV hydraulic power unit after cleaning snagged his harness lanyard on a rigging point and swung into a stowed transport post, sustaining a rib contusion. The flash discusses an unused ladder, the spotter’s departure, rushing and adherence to job safety analyses.
- 201210 Jul
Hooped ladders and the use of personal fall-arrest systems
This HSE alert examines limitations of fixed hooped ladders and their interaction with personal fall-arrest systems. Hoops may compromise arrest equipment and users may strike the cage during a fall. Dutyholders are advised to review risk assessments and consider additional protection or alternative access; blanket hoop removal is not recommended.
- 201225 Jun
Two recent incidents involving injuries
Two vessel incidents involved a crewman dropping an electric angle grinder after losing balance at the top of a ladder, cutting above his knee, and an engineer suffering finger lacerations when a compressor started. The compressor had not been isolated or tagged out because the task was considered a ‘two minute job’.
- 20128 Jun
Near-miss: Person fell from boarding ladder
A passenger fell between an anchor handling tug and a barge during ladder transfer, landing on a tyre fender and sustaining a superficial arm scratch. The flash identifies unfollowed transfer procedures, inadequate resource allocation and missing embarkation arrangements, and describes revised procedures, marine traffic oversight and reinforcement of stop-work authority.
- 2012Jun
Fall into void space during cargo operations on general cargo vessel Scot Pioneer with loss of 1 life
Investigates a fatal fall into a void space during cargo loading aboard Scot Pioneer at Belview Port. An improvised wooden footbridge used a ventilation opening for hold access and lacked fall protection. The report examines obstructed access routes, unassessed risks, unreported crew concerns, emergency response and subsequent changes to access arrangements.
- 201220 Apr
Loss of Balance Results in Laceration to Leg from Grinder
An able seaman aboard a standby vessel lost his balance while using an electric grinder from the top of a ladder. The falling grinder cut his right leg above the knee, causing a 5 cm wound. Crew assistance and a platform doctor’s examination preceded referral to an onshore hospital.
- 201127 Oct
Pilot ladder failure
This safety flash relays a Marine Safety Forum incident involving a pilot ladder that parted during an attempt to board a vessel. The pilot fell backwards onto the pilot boat’s deck and was injured. No failure cause or preventive measures are stated.
- 2011Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2011
This marine accident digest presents separate cases involving navigation, propulsion failures, cargo handling, flooding, fishing hazards and passenger safety. Lessons examine bridge teamwork, training, emergency drills and equipment checks. Reproduced Tombarra bulletins analyse rescue-boat weight, water retention and davit overload protection; hull cases discuss ultrasonic thickness measurement and visual inspection.
- 200822 Sep
Serious injury incident during routine crane maintenance
A crew member fractured their left tibia after slipping on a vertical crane ladder aboard a vessel during oil-level checks. Hydraulic oil contaminated gloves and boot soles. The flash examines missing work-at-height controls, inadequate ladder access and low risk awareness, recommending reviews of routine maintenance, permits, risk assessments and toolbox talks.
- 200824 Apr
Fall through open hatch in walkway
A crew member inspecting HVAC ducts aboard an offshore construction vessel fell through an open walkway hatch after raising a safety barrier, sustaining minor injuries. The flash highlights omitted risk assessment and change management, relocation of ladder access, welding the hatch shut, and reminders to barricade open hatchways.
- 2007Jun
Partridge Raleigh Oilfield Explosion and Fire — Case Study
CSB case study of a fatal oilfield explosion in Raleigh, Mississippi, during welding on interconnected production tanks. It examines vapour ignition, unsafe tank flashing, absent isolation and gas testing, and a makeshift elevated work platform. Findings and recommendations address hot work permits, written procedures, training and regulatory oversight.
- 200727 Apr
Serious Injury Results from Fall from Ladder
A worker maintaining light fittings fell while descending an extension ladder with tools in both hands and only a fingertip grip. His foot slipped from a rung and he could not retain his hold. He landed on his buttocks, struck his head, lost consciousness and fractured four lower-back vertebrae.
- 200620 Jun
Near-miss: Missing grating on platform in fuel tank
Workers entering a cargo tank discovered an unprotected drop beneath a ladder because a hinged grating platform had been left open for hoisting equipment or tools. No accident occurred. The flash recommends entry-procedure and toolbox discussion changes, warning signs, platform-position and locking-pin checks, and access-manual instructions for newly built vessels.
- 20052 Oct
Ladder Incident – Driller Fractures Back and Wrist in Fall
A driller tightening a hydraulic hose fitting from an extension ladder fell when an 18-inch pipe wrench slipped. The fall to rig matting was less than three metres and resulted in back and wrist fractures. The account notes serviceable tools and footwear and no slippery substances on the ladder rungs.
- 2005Apr
Fall from main mast ratlines on commercial sailing vessel Albatros with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a passenger’s fatal fall from Albatros’s mast ratlines in the Thames Estuary. The precise fall mechanism remained uncertain. Analysis examines unsuitable restraint equipment, inadequate briefing and supervision, defective ratline maintenance and shortcomings in the person-overboard response, with recommendations addressing safety-critical repairs and passenger assistance.