Topic
Fire
Uncontrolled combustion and its prevention or consequences.
Newest 100 Documents
All 865 in search- 2026Sep
Shell Polymers Furnace Explosion and Fire — Furnace Explosion and Fire at Shell Polymers
Investigates the June 2025 furnace explosion and fire at Shell Polymers Monaca following coke-trap cleaning. Inadvertent opening of isolation valves allowed cracked gas to enter the firebox and ignite. The report examines reliance on administrative safeguards, safety instrumented system bypasses, alarm suppression and confusing valve interfaces, recommending engineered protection and improved interface design.
- 202621 Jul
Bio-Lab Inc. Conyers Fire and Chemical Release
Investigation of the Conyers chemical-storage warehouse fire and release examines sprinkler corrosion, water-triggered decomposition and emergency response. It identifies sprinkler component failure as the most likely initiating water source, analyses storage and ventilation shortcomings, and recommends corporate safeguards and broader reactive-hazard coverage. Supporting work includes AcciMap analysis and chemical testing.
- 20261 Jul
Mechanical Failure of LACT Pump Caused Fire
An offshore production facility fire followed LACT charge-pump misalignment after motor replacement. Excessive vibration loosened casing fasteners, allowing oil leakage; coupling failure caused further damage. The alert identifies omitted angular alignment and incorrect bolt torques, and recommends manufacturer-compliant installation, personnel training, review of post-installation surveillance and investigation of abnormal operation.
- 20266 May
Catastrophic engine failure and subsequent fire on board the site investigation vessel Kommandor Susan
Investigates a diesel generator failure and engine-room fire aboard Kommandor Susan during sea trials in the Firth of Forth. The report links premature bearing wear to substitute components and inappropriate extended service intervals, examines contractor oversight, and describes successful firefighting alongside emergency anchoring difficulties caused by dependence on electrical power.
- 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.
- 202617 Mar
Battery power bank explodes in cabin
A power bank exploded during overnight charging in a vessel cabin. Its owner extinguished the fire with a wet towel, with minor damage to cabin fittings and furniture reported. The flash highlights restrictions on unattended charging and recommends certified charging equipment from reputable suppliers.
- 202613 Feb
Missing protection – progressive wear on hydraulic hoses causes damage
An inspection identified hydraulic and fuel hoses rubbing against surrounding surfaces and sharp edges, with abrasion and missing insulation. The flash discusses routing clearance, securing, protective sleeves and routine inspection to address progressive wear and potential leaks, fire and machinery failure. It also highlights unsecured deck plates.
- 202613 Feb
Small engine room fire – flammable object ignited
A small flammable foreign object ignited during post-drydock engine load testing. The crew stopped the engine, isolated fuel and extinguished the fire; nobody was injured. The flash identifies poor housekeeping and absent post-maintenance checks, emphasising machinery-space cleanliness, checks before load testing and regular emergency drills.
- 20266 Feb
BSEE Safety Alert 514 - Verify Megger Testing and Termination Prep to Prevent Seawater Pump Motor Fires
A seawater pump motor fire followed termination repairs. Findings identified insulation testing at a lower voltage than required, resistance below the work-pack threshold and inadequate semiconductor-layer preparation. BSEE recommends considering adherence to repair instructions, verification of test arrangements and results, correctly rated testers and worker understanding of resistance units.
- 202622 Jan
Mechanic got burns due to fire in portable generator
A marine mechanic sustained minor right-arm burns after spilled petrol ignited during portable-generator refuelling at a dock workshop. Dragging the generator produced a friction spark. The flash identifies missing rubber bushings, absent procedures and risk assessment, inadequate maintenance and housekeeping, and difficult access to fire extinguishers.
- 202622 Jan
Petrol driven equipment left stored in an emergency generator room
A vessel safety round identified a petrol-containing snowblower stored in the emergency generator room, creating fire and explosion risks and obstructing access to critical equipment. The equipment was relocated. The flash recommends designated storage for flammables and keeping machinery spaces clear, with storage procedures and inspections identified for review.
- 202612 Jan
NTSB: Engine room fire – put things back properly after maintenance
An IMCA flash summarises a fatal engine-room fire aboard a dredging vessel. NTSB attributed the probable cause to lubricating oil spraying from a generator and igniting off a nearby running engine after a plug was not reinstated. Lessons emphasise post-maintenance inspection, correct reassembly and local test starts where appropriate and practical.
- 202522 Dec
Vessel facilities subject to external hydrocarbon hazards guidance note
Guidance on safety cases for vessel facilities exposed to external hydrocarbon hazards. It addresses facility descriptions, formal safety assessment, ignition prevention, gas detection, emergency shutdown and evacuation arrangements. Supporting analyses examine fire, explosion and emergency-system survivability, while the Montara case illustrates shortcomings in preparedness and external-hazard assessment.
- 20254 Dec
Fire hazard: missing splash tapes on fuel hose connections
This safety flash describes missing splash tapes on engine fuel hose connections in newly delivered and older vessels. It explains their role in preventing fuel spray reaching hot surfaces, identifies commissioning omissions and failures to reinstall tapes after maintenance, and stresses acceptance checks and restoration of safety details.
- 20254 Dec
Fire in the engine room – fuel spray fire
Fuel sprayed onto hot surfaces of a starboard main engine after maintenance left return-pipe bolts missing and protective barriers absent. Crew extinguished the fire without injuries or pollution, but water mist failed and shutdown actions were delayed. Lessons emphasise post-maintenance checks, splash protection and familiarity with emergency equipment.
- 202517 Nov
Broken equipment repaired or replaced
Five cases describe defects affecting a dock firefighting pump, immersion suit zip, emergency exit handle, ventilation flap seals and lifejacket storage box hinges. Repairs, replacement and additional inspection arrangements restored readiness. The flash highlights potentially serious cumulative consequences of minor defects and suggests considering regular checks of safety equipment details.
- 20257 Nov
Smoke in the battery room
A vessel alongside experienced smoke from overheated nickel-cadmium batteries supplying a DP-system UPS. Crews isolated circuits and removed batteries for cooling, without injury or escalation. The flash examines uncertain causes, restricted cabinet access and incomplete records, highlighting battery inventories, detection, emergency training and installation improvements.
- 202530 Oct
Supporting safety studies guidance note
Guidance explains supporting studies for facility safety cases, covering fire and explosion risk analysis, smoke and gas impairment, evacuation, escape and rescue, and emergency-system survivability. It distinguishes regulatory requirements from recommendations and discusses systematic assessment, modelling assumptions, control performance and evidence that risks are reduced as low as reasonably practicable.
- 20252 Oct
USCG: Lithium-Ion battery system installations
Summarises USCG advice following a lithium-ion battery bank fire on a passenger vessel caused by overheated, loosely crimped lugs. Discusses thermal runaway, toxic off-gases and suppression difficulties, alongside engineering review, battery management, condition inspections, maintenance, crew competence and fire drills. No injuries and minimal vessel damage were reported.
- 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.
- 202518 Sep
Auxiliary engine room fire on board the ro-ro cargo ship Finnmaster
Investigation of Finnmaster’s auxiliary engine room fire during departure from Hull. Partial fuel injection pump coupling failure and leaking hot exhaust preceded fuel hose failure and ignition. The report examines defective emergency power, incomplete carbon dioxide suppression, maintenance and supplier assurance, system testing and crew response. No injuries were reported.
- 202511 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 507 - Improper Use of Equipment and Tools Increases Risk of Fires and Explosions Offshore
BSEE identifies recurring offshore tool misuse involving live electrical circuits, explosive atmospheres and high-pressure or high-temperature systems. Cases include unsuitable hand tools and a plumber’s plug used during welding. Recommendations address competence evaluation, tool ratings and tracking, maintenance, pre-work audits, qualified inspections and authority to halt unsafe work.
- 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.
- 20251 Aug
BSEE Safety Alert - 504 - Malfunction of Rental Generator's Engine Air Shutoff System
A rental generator fire on an offshore platform followed a closed right-bank air flap, allowing unburnt diesel and excess oil to accumulate and ignite with heat from the operating left bank. The alert recommends considering improved maintenance checks, alarm verification, training and procurement assurance, including independent testing of each emergency air flap.
- 20253 Jul
Unsafe use of electrical equipment in cabins
Crew aboard a vessel used two-pin chargers directly in three-pin accommodation sockets without suitable adaptors. This flash explains potential socket damage, loose connections, arcing, overheating and fire. It recommends compatible adaptors, crew guidance on plug compatibility, regular socket checks, appliance testing and tagging, and easier reporting of concerns.
- 2025Jul
Hydrocarbon Active Fire Protection
An inspection guide for offshore hydrocarbon fire protection, setting out regulatory expectations, success criteria and dutyholder scoring. It examines firewater pumps, ring mains, deluge coverage and chemical dosing, with emphasis on corrosion, marine growth, system availability, as-found testing and investigation of recurring blockages.
- 202520 Jun
BSEE Safety Alert 503 - Personnel Burned by Fire due to Improper Venting of Gas Starters on Engines
BSEE describes two flash fires during attempts to start gas engines driving pipeline pumps. Improperly secured or absent starter exhaust piping allowed gas to accumulate before backfires ignited it, burning workers. Recommendations address safe exhaust routing, component checks, training, startup and maintenance procedures, gas detectors and consideration of temporary fire watches.
- 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
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.
- 20253 Apr
BSEE Safety Alert 498 - Explosion and Fire Incident
A liftboat explosion during separator draining injured two workers with burns. Gas accumulated on deck and a generator surge triggered ignition. The alert examines tank sealing, unsuitable gas detectors, failed air-intake shutoff controls and delayed medical evacuation, recommending that operators consider improved procedures, inspections, testing and emergency arrangements.
- 2025Apr
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 9 (April 2025)
This superyacht incident digest examines a post-dry-dock fire, unsuitable crew accommodation during repairs, drug use, inadequate provision for working aloft, a falling crane hook, fatigued anchoring and unrecognised enclosed spaces. Commentary addresses safety culture, equipment readiness, familiarisation, design feedback and atmospheric testing.
- 202519 Mar
Acetylene gas explosion
Two engineers setting up oxygen and acetylene cylinders experienced a small explosion and hose fire, leaving one with first-degree burns. The flash identifies inadequate flashback protection, bent hoses, faulty crimps, absent hot-work authorisation and unsuitable protective equipment. Lessons address arrestor placement and checking components after a flashback.
- 202519 Mar
Crane cab fire caused by fridge
A fire destroyed a crane cab aboard a vessel alongside while no crane work was underway. An electrical fault in a small refrigerator was suspected. The flash highlights difficult firefighting access and suggests members may wish to check unattended powered appliances and identify restricted emergency-equipment access.
- 202513 Mar
Marathon Martinez Renewable Fuels Fire
Investigation of a renewable diesel startup fire at Martinez, California, following heater tube rupture. Low process flow and afterburning caused overheating, releasing diesel and hydrogen and seriously injuring an operator. The report examines valve alignment, instrumented safeguards, combustion monitoring, alarm responses, human factors and corporate oversight, with recommendations and comparisons to earlier incidents.
- 20256 Feb
MAIB: Vessel cook injured by spillage of burning cooking oil
A cook aboard an offshore support vessel suffered severe burns when wet chemical suppression displaced burning oil from a shallow-sided gyro pan. A faulty thermostat and unsuitable use for deep-frying featured in the incident. Lessons address hazardous work-arounds, regular maintenance, testing overheated appliances and following manufacturers’ guidance.
- 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.
- 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
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2025
A marine safety digest examining merchant, fishing and recreational vessel casualties, including collisions, groundings, fires, capsizes and people entering the water. Case lessons address navigation, mooring, towage, maintenance and emergency preparedness, with detailed discussion of flotation-device entanglement, battery charging, fuel hoses and vessel modifications. Reproduced bulletins and flyers provide further incident-specific learning.
- 202417 Dec
NTSB: diesel generator engine failure
An offshore supply vessel suffered diesel generator failure and an engine-room fire during post-maintenance sea trials. An incorrectly sized replacement main bearing reduced lubrication pressure to adjacent connecting rod bearings. Effective crew firefighting limited the spread. The flash stresses identifying and documenting removed component part numbers to support correct replacement selection.
- 202412 Dec
Engine room fire on board ro-ro passenger ferry Stena Europe
Investigation of Stena Europe’s engine room fire while approaching Fishguard. Pressurised fuel escaped from a flange joint and ignited on exposed exhaust surfaces. The report examines recurring leaks, incomplete flange modifications, deficient insulation, maintenance and reporting weaknesses, firefighting response, and thermal imaging for detecting hazardous hot spots.
- 202411 Nov
NTSB: Fire on vessel – escaped exhaust gases
This safety flash describes a towing-vessel fire on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The NTSB suggested that undetected muffler cracks let hot exhaust gases ignite wooden accommodation structures, with combustible furnishings contributing to damage. The crew escaped safely, but the vessel was destroyed. Inspection of welds and potential weak points is suggested.
- 202414 Oct
Fire in engine room
A vessel engine-room fire was most likely caused by a fuel leak following pipe misalignment during reassembly. Blocked detection tubing and drains, unavailable water-mist suppression and delayed ventilation shutdown contributed to escalation. The flash highlights correct assembly, regular inspections, fire drills and checks of emergency procedures.
- 202414 Oct
MSF: Safety pins left in fire suppression system – high potential near miss
A vessel inspection after dry docking found safety pins still fitted to all engine-room CO2 suppression bottles, preventing remote activation in a potential fire. Third-party testing and subsequent checks had missed their removal. The flash recommends permit-to-work coverage, deck-officer verification, procedural familiarity and checks for immediate equipment readiness.
- 202414 Oct
Near Miss: Smoke and fire on Main Engine Exhaust
During sea trials after docking, smoke and fire emerged at an engine’s turbocharger flange. A damaged, incorrect gasket rated below 300°C had been fitted instead of one resistant above 500°C. The flash highlights spare-part specification checks and the visible wire mesh distinguishing gaskets designed for temperatures above 500°C.
- 202414 Oct
NTSB: Fire on vessel – escaped exhaust gases
This safety flash describes a towing-vessel fire on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The NTSB suggested that undetected muffler cracks released exhaust gases that ignited accommodation woodwork; combustible furnishings contributed to damage. The crew evacuated safely, but the vessel was destroyed. Readers are asked to consider inspecting exhaust-system welds and other weak points.
- 202414 Oct
Urgent inspection of pressurised carbon dioxide fire fighting systems
A specialist third-party inspection of a vessel’s carbon dioxide fire suppression system found Chinese-manufactured coins inserted in 21 of 24 main 45 kg cylinders. The coins blanketed high-pressure hoses, potentially impairing suppression effectiveness. The flash calls for immediate inspection of hose connections and rectification of anomalies.
- 20244 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 488 - Flash Fires During Welding Operations
A flash fire and blast during nozzle tack welding on a fuel gas scrubber propelled a tied-off welder against a rail without injury. Subsequent flammability readings ranged from 0 to 70% LEL. BSEE recommends considering improved atmospheric checks, ventilation, hot-work protocols, supervision, training and protective equipment.
- 20243 Sep
NTSB: Fire on vessel – stray electrical current during welding
This safety flash summarises a fire aboard Qualifier 105 during aluminium welding in winter yard storage. The probable ignition source was electrical but undetermined; stray welding current remained unconfirmed. Combustible accommodation materials increased damage. The lesson recommends placing the welding return clamp as close as possible to the weld.
- 202416 Jul
Emergency musters and drills
Two events highlight emergency alarm readiness and fire hazards at muster stations. A stuck emergency button delayed alarm activation during a drill, prompting questions about functional checks. In a separate event, a paper cup discarded with a burning cigarette butt in an ashtray caused smouldering and a small fire.
- 20242 Jul
Dropped halogen lamp caused small fire
During night-time painting aboard a vessel, wind gusts toppled a halogen lamp from scaffolding, igniting a board below. Nobody was injured; the lamp was destroyed and the board damaged. The flash highlights unattended equipment during breaks, stability checks, weather awareness and consideration of LED alternatives.
- 202424 Jun
BP - Husky Oregon Chemical Release and Fire
Investigates the fatal naphtha release and flash fire at the BP-Husky Toledo Refinery in Oregon, Ohio. Examines cascading process disturbances, vessel overflow, manual draining, misleading level indications and alarm overload. Recommendations address engineered overfill safeguards, abnormal-situation procedures, stop-work practice and alarm performance, alongside shortcomings in applying earlier incident lessons.
- 202422 May
Engine failure and subsequent engine room fire
A diesel generator failed catastrophically aboard an offshore-working vessel, ejecting components and starting an engine-room fire. Nobody was harmed. The flash reviews effective Hi-Fog suppression, protective equipment and emergency leadership, and recommends procedural familiarity and revised response communications. It also suggests thermal imaging support and fire-station booklets.
- 202422 May
US BSEE: Welding and burning hazards
This flash summarises BSEE inspection findings on welding and burning hazards at Gulf of Mexico production and well-operation sites. It describes potential fires, including suspected slag penetration beneath living quarters, and highlights flammable materials, inadequate training and conflicting fire-watch duties. Recommendations address protective barriers, competence, supervision and pre-job discussions.
- 2024May
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 6 (Summer 2024)
This superyacht incident digest examines watertight door failures, a starting battery explosion, a galley fire, unprotected window cleaning and steering loss. Commentary addresses alarm visibility, towing checks, battery maintenance, heat lamp safeguards, crew numbers and the independence of the designated person ashore.
- 20244 Apr
BSEE Risk Based Inspection Identifies Welding and Burning Hazards
BSEE summarises targeted inspections of Gulf of Mexico production and well-operation facilities that identified welding and burning hazards. Findings include damaged or poorly positioned fire barriers, nearby flammables, deficient planning and training, and conflicting fire-watch duties. Operators and contractors are encouraged to consider improvements to protection, competence, procedures and supervision.
- 20244 Apr
Safety Alert - BSEE Risk Based Inspection Identifies Welding and Burning Hazards
BSEE reports targeted inspections of 22 Gulf of Mexico production and well-operation sites, identifying damaged or misplaced fire barriers, hot work near hydrocarbons, deficient planning and inconsistent training. The alert describes a living-quarters fire and recommends considering improved barrier inspection, task-specific planning, competence assurance, supervision and fire-watch arrangements.
- 202422 Jan
UK MAIB: Deep fat fryer fire
A shipboard galley fire followed restoration of power to two deep fat fryers drained for cleaning. Overheated elements ignited fat-saturated food residues before thermal protection disconnected power. Crew extinguished the fire without damage or injury. Lessons address lockout/tagout, equipment readiness, electrical supply checks and practised emergency response.
- 2024
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 75 (Summer 2024)
Confidential maritime reports examine commercial pressure over damaged anchors, laundry and cargo fires, machinery and mooring hand injuries, inadequate provisions and a grounding. Commentary addresses escalation of concerns, bridge coordination, laundry practices, dangerous-goods stowage, machinery isolation and guarding, and keeping hands clear during mooring.
- 2024
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 5 (Winter 2024)
Five superyacht reports examine a night-time tender grounding, suspected lithium-ion battery thermal runaway, swimmers endangered by propulsion start-up, unsecured shipboard appliances and failure to wear a tender kill cord. Commentary addresses passage planning, communication, crew training, appliance securing and proposed kill-cord interlocks, retaining uncertainty about the battery fault.
- 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.
- 202326 Dec
Wendland 1H Well Fatal Explosion
CSB investigates a fatal blowout and fire during tubing-head replacement at a Texas oil and gas well. It analyses inadequate well-control planning, ineffective hydrostatic and valve barriers, and ignition-source management. Recommendations address workover methods for underpressured reservoirs, well-history review and gaps in industry guidance and federal regulation.
- 202321 Dec
KMCO LLC Fatal Fire and Explosion
Investigation of the fatal isobutylene explosion and fire at KMCO’s Crosby facility. Metallurgical testing established pressure-driven brittle fracture of a cast-iron y-strainer. The report examines thermal-expansion hazards, manual versus remote isolation, emergency-response roles and alarm use, identifying weaknesses in hazard evaluation and response that contributed to the incident and its severity.
- 202314 Dec
BSEE Safety Alert 478 - Inadequately Maintained Electrical Connections and Compromised Wiring Integrity (6)
This alert examines three electrical incidents involving a loose generator cable connection, damaged heat-trace insulation with improper grounding, and rainwater ingress into generator wiring. It recommends that operators consider routine maintenance, training, emergency-response rehearsals, improved cable procedures, lockout/tagout reinforcement and periodic infrared inspections.
- 20236 Dec
Didion Milling Company Explosion and Fire
CSB investigates fatal combustible corn dust explosions at Didion’s Cambria mill. It examines propagation through interconnected dust collectors and pneumatic conveying systems, secondary explosions and building collapses. Comparative mill teardown, dust testing and explosion modelling support analysis of deficient safeguards, change management, housekeeping, emergency preparedness and regulatory oversight.
- 20236 Dec
NTSB: Lithium-ion battery fire destroys vessel bridge
This safety flash summarises an NTSB investigation into a tanker bridge fire while alongside. Probable cause was thermal runaway in a handheld radio’s lithium-ion battery. It describes prompt crew firefighting, absent bridge fire detection, extensive equipment damage and precautions concerning battery care, charging, sourcing and fire containment.
- 202330 Nov
Yenkin-Majestic Resin Plant Vapor Cloud Explosion and Fire
Investigation of a fatal resin-plant explosion and fire following solvent vaporisation and release through an altered reactor manway. The report examines pressure-containment design, inadequate alteration assurance, agitator-dependent safeguards, alarm deficiencies and evacuation preparedness. Recommendations address low-pressure vessel guidance, safer process design and flame-resistant clothing.
- 202314 Nov
Flash Fire from Oxygen Regulator Leads to Burn Injury
A crew member suffered first- and second-degree wrist burns when an oxygen regulator burst during preparations for welding in platform decommissioning. The alert explains oxygen-system ignition hazards and recommends considering brass rather than aluminium fittings, controlled valve opening, contamination prevention, maintenance, training and protective clothing that keeps skin covered.
- 202313 Nov
Positive: Master stopped unsafe fuel transfer whilst vessel alongside rig
A supply vessel halted fuel transfer after its watch officer spotted welding on an adjacent semi-submersible rig. The flash highlights prompt bridge intervention, reporting and positive recognition by rig management. It identifies missing communication about hot work despite mandatory confirmation of simultaneous operations through the Safety Zone checklist.
- 202330 Oct
Fire in ROV workshop
A rechargeable flashlight headset left charging unattended on a UPS supply was involved in a fire in an ROV workshop. The flash describes effective crew communications and fire response, alongside recommendations on electrical equipment condition, supplier selection, charging surfaces, disconnection after charging and communicating portable-device charging hazards.
- 202330 Oct
Fire-fighting equipment in poor condition
A vessel audit identified several 50 kg wheeled dry powder extinguishers with low pressure and extensive corrosion, despite monthly inspections. The flash highlights gaps in crew understanding of inspection quality and calls for defective equipment to be quarantined, repairs or replacements arranged, regular servicing and crew awareness sessions.
- 202316 Oct
Fire in the laundry room
An industrial tumble dryer fire was extinguished while personnel were mustering. The flash identifies maintenance changes and absent laundry smoke detection as causes, and describes possible particulate transport through heating elements. Actions address recognised equipment standards, compatible spare parts and review of fire and smoke detection.
- 202312 Sep
Fatality due to fire incident and fall from height
A rope access technician undertaking pipelay tower maintenance suffered a fatal fall from approximately 8.5 m after welding particles ignited solvent and fire melted the body harness. The flash examines independently authorised, conflicting work and highlights coordinated permits, shared planning, whole-operation supervision and effective stop-work authority.
- 202317 Aug
Engine room fire on LPG carrier Moritz Schulte with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal engine-room fire aboard Moritz Schulte in Antwerp. Pressurised marine gas oil escaped during inadequately isolated fuel-filter cleaning and ignited on an adjacent engine’s hot exhaust. The report examines maintenance arrangements, competence assurance, escape equipment and rescue coordination, including thermal imaging. No recommendations were made following actions already taken.
- 202324 Jul
Fire in diesel generator following tests
A vessel’s diesel generator caught fire during operational-speed testing after alternator bearing replacement in port. A misaligned bearing cover caused shaft friction and sparking; insufficient contractor supervision was considered the root cause. The flash emphasises thorough supervision and post-maintenance testing beyond idling speed.
- 20236 Jul
Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) Tank Fire
Investigation of the March 2019 tank-farm fire at ITC’s Deer Park terminal, following a circulation-pump seal failure and butane-enriched naphtha release. The report examines pump maintenance, gas detection, emergency isolation, fire spread, containment failure and regulatory exemptions, with recommendations addressing mechanical integrity, tank-farm design and process safety management.
- 20236 Jul
Optima Belle Explosion and Fire
An interim CSB investigation update describes a fatal dryer explosion during trial dehydration of sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate at Optima Belle in West Virginia. It outlines vacuum drying, steam heating, sampling and temperature changes, alongside decomposition hazards. Explosion debris caused a neighbouring methanol pipeline fire; the initiating conditions remain under investigation.
- 202312 Jun
MAIB: High pressure oil leak causes a fire in the engine room
A vessel’s gearbox temperature probe was expelled by oil at 25 bar, spraying the engine room and igniting oil-soaked exhaust lagging. Crew contained the fires with foam. The flash identifies an insufficiently tightened compression fitting, describes a redesigned probe housing, and emphasises emergency preparedness and closer monitoring after construction or dry docking.
- 202312 Jun
MAIB: Lithium-ion battery fire
This safety flash describes seawater contamination of a lithium-ion battery in subsea equipment stored aboard a vessel. Examination following deployment had identified a potential leak, but further investigation was delayed. A brief explosion occurred without injuries. The flash discusses battery hazards, secure storage of damaged batteries and appropriate extinguishing measures.
- 202324 May
MSF: Disposable vape self-ignition
A disposable vape self-ignited in a crew member’s cabin and continued burning on his mattress after he threw it onto the bed. The flash identifies breaches of company vaping policy and bedding requirements, and calls for policy compliance, closer attention during onboard checks and SOLAS-compliant bedding.
- 202316 May
Fire alarm activation in engine room
A supply vessel experienced a small engine-room fire with no injuries and little damage. Bearing failure produced smoke, while remote CO2 activation failed and the cement compartment appeared to lack a discharge point. The flash highlights unreported sensor inconsistencies, crew practice and accurate documentation of firefighting system limitations.
- 20233 May
Maintenance and control of fire doors
This safety flash describes poorly maintained vessel fire doors, altered closing mechanisms and doors tied open, reducing fire and smoke boundary effectiveness. It calls for automatic closure and complete sealing, including hose ports, adherence to routine maintenance and inspection regimes, and immediate reporting of defects.
- 2023May
LPG forklift truck fire risk
This safety alert addresses fires during starting of LPG-powered forklift trucks and similar vehicles. Fuel-system deposits can cause valves to stick, while repeated starting attempts can release unburned gas. It specifies operator precautions and maintenance actions, including stopping further starting attempts, isolating the gas supply and ensuring ventilation.
- 202324 Apr
Bio Lab Conyers Chemical Release
Investigation of Hurricane Laura damage, chemical decomposition, chlorine release and fire at Bio-Lab’s Louisiana facility. It examines hurricane preparedness, process hazard analysis, structural damage, fire-water reliability and regulatory coverage of reactive chemicals. Appendices analyse separate Conyers decomposition events and provide structural and fire-protection consultant reviews.
- 202324 Apr
Bio-Lab Lake Charles Chemical Fire and Release
Investigation of hurricane-related chemical decomposition, fire and chlorine release at Bio-Lab’s Louisiana manufacturing facility. It examines building resilience, process hazard analysis follow-through, deficient fire protection and emergency equipment readiness, alongside gaps in reactive-hazard regulation. Appendices include structural and fire-code assessments and separate Conyers decomposition incidents.
- 202323 Mar
Safety warning issued about the hazards of flexible hose installations
MAIB examines a Finnmaster engine-room fire caused by a flexible fuel hose overheating after an exhaust leak, releasing marine gas oil onto a hot surface. The bulletin discusses hose length, routing, inspection difficulties and unapproved alarm-system modifications, highlighting modification risk assessment, classification requirements and isolation valves.
- 202327 Feb
Compressor fire
A rented diesel-driven screw compressor caught fire aboard a diving support vessel. An electrical short circuit damaged cable insulation; radiant heat compromised an oil scavenger line, releasing oil that ignited. No injuries occurred. The flash discusses maintenance testing gaps, pre-mobilisation checks, equipment assessments, fire suppression and deck positioning.
- 202318 Jan
Small fire following hot work
A small fire followed contractor welding of jumper stands aboard a vessel alongside. A rag over the welded area was found smoking and extinguished with water; nobody was harmed. The flash identifies communication failures, absent joint inspection and no fire watch, and calls for contractor liaison, agreed work acceptance and fire watches.
- 2023
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 70 (Spring 2023)
This maritime incident digest examines single points of safety failure through reports of grounding, steering loss, unsafe fendering, towing difficulties, coercion, obstructed access, collision, maintenance injury, lifting failure and battery fire. Commentary addresses bridge teamwork, workload, isolation, inspection access and emergency arrangements, with practical lessons for vessel crews and managers.
- 2023
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 72 (Autumn 2023)
This maritime digest examines an averted mooring-line failure, a lithium-ion battery cargo fire, contractor fatigue, a diver’s propeller injury, tanker engine-control difficulties and a fisher’s overboard rescue. It discusses mooring design, dangerous-goods packing, rest arrangements, diver visibility, emergency teamwork and personal rescue equipment, alongside two improper cargo-stowage reports.
- 2023
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 2 (Spring 2023)
Six superyacht reports examine authority gradients, guest distractions and safety culture through a deck slip, navigational near misses, tender lifting failure, towing capsize and lithium-ion battery fire. Commentary discusses constructive challenge, safe access, inspection limitations, lifejackets, emergency communications and fire response, contrasting weak practices with effective crew action.
- 2023
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2023
This marine accident digest examines merchant shipping, commercial fishing and recreational boating casualties. Cases address navigation, machinery maintenance, lifting, fires and people overboard. Lessons emphasise clear control indications, practical recovery drills, effective firefighting arrangements and implementation of risk assessments, with reproduced fishing safety flyers discussing personal distress beacons.
- 2023
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2023
A multi-case marine safety digest draws lessons from navigation incidents, fires, falls, cargo lifting, mooring injuries and fishing casualties. Case analyses examine communication, electrical work, lifejacket use and recovery arrangements. Reproduced bulletins and flyers address fuel-hose modifications, liferaft servicing, carbon monoxide poisoning and fatal man-overboard incidents.
- 2023
Standards for offshore helicopter landing areas (Version 9.1, 7 January 2026; publisher status Current)
Sets criteria for offshore helicopter landing areas on installations and vessels, alongside wind-turbine winching arrangements. Covers structural loading, obstacle protection, surface friction testing, lighting, motion monitoring, meteorological reporting, rescue and fire-fighting, fuel-system design and maintenance, and passenger preparation. The January 2026 amendment introduces arrangements for temporary safety-critical equipment unserviceability.
- 202229 Dec
Husky Energy Superior Refinery Explosion and Fire
Investigation of the Superior refinery explosion during fluid catalytic cracking shutdown. It examines air entering hydrocarbon equipment, missing steam-barrier and purge safeguards, eroded slide valves, procedural and training deficiencies, and brittle vessel fragmentation. Debris punctured an asphalt tank, escalating the event into fire; recommendations address transient-operation safeguards and emergency preparedness.
- 202221 Dec
Clogged tumble-dryer exhaust fan – potential for fire
A vessel laundry inspection found intertwined rags and lint in a dryer exhaust fan, with further checks revealing an almost blocked outlet pipe. The flash describes potential overheating and fire where routine cleaning was absent, and recommends regular exhaust and filter maintenance together with accessible installation design.
- 202221 Dec
Kuraray Pasadena Release and Fire
Investigation of an ethylene release and fire during reactor startup at Kuraray’s Pasadena plant, injuring 23 workers. It examines unsafe atmospheric pressure-relief discharge, disabled interlocks, alarm flooding, conflicting operating instructions and restricted flare use. Recommendations address safe discharge design, worker exclusion, operating limits, training and independent process safety assessment.
- 202221 Dec
MAIB: Engine room fire flashover
A ferry engine-compartment fire was initially controlled by sealing the space and activating fixed carbon dioxide suppression. After berthing, a fire officer opened the hatch without liaising with the crew, causing rapid reignition and severe damage. Lessons emphasise communication and keeping the compartment sealed until external deckhead temperatures reach ambient levels.
- 202213 Dec
BSEE: Unsafe chemical use and disposal
This safety flash summarises three BSEE incidents involving mixed epoxy paint waste, a smouldering rag and incompatible drain-cleaning chemicals. It describes smoke, fire and gas inhalation, and presents recommendations on chemical handling procedures, safety data sheets, suitable protective gloves and the readiness and compatibility of firefighting equipment.
- 202213 Dec
Fires During Decommissioning Cause Injuries
A contractor suffered facial burns when trapped hydrocarbons ignited during torch cutting of pipework being decommissioned. Earlier seawater flushing and draining had not removed the hydrocarbons. The alert identifies shortcomings in hazard analysis, planning and permitting, and recommends job-specific procedures, atmospheric verification, isolation safeguards and pre-job communication.
- 20221 Nov
BSEE: Poor preparation prior to hot work leads to fires
This safety flash summarises three BSEE hot-work fires involving falling sparks, flammable condensate, a leaking gas riser and combustible building surfaces. Recommendations address spark shielding, sustained fire watches, extinguishers, continuous gas monitoring, detector checks, inerting nearby containers, and reviewing hot-work permits and job safety analyses.