Near-miss: Potential fall from height during launch of rescue craft
- Safety Flash
- Published on 3 March 2015
- Generated on 22 February 2025
- IMCA SF 03/15
- 1 minute read
A member has reported a potential near miss incident in which there could have been a fall from height during launch of rescue craft.
During annual inspection of the rescue craft on a vessel, it was noticed that to secure and launch the rescue craft a crew member had to go around the rescue boat and stand outboard of it in an exposed place.
There was no barrier in place to prevent a crew member carrying out this task falling from height.
safety chains installed
different vessel in fleet without safety chains installed
Actions
The crew reported this as a near miss and the short term solution will be to wear a safety harness when launching and securing the rescue craft. Arrangements were made to fabricate and fit a chain rail and stanchion to prevent recurrence.
Members may wish to refer to the following similar incidents (key words: rail, missing):
- Fall hazards associated with temporary deck openings
- Importance of inspecting fall protection equipment
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