Failure of self-righting frame on Fast Rescue Craft (FRC)

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 12 February 2024
  • Generated on 25 April 2025
  • IMCA SF 03/24
  • 2 minute read

During a routine rescue drill the self-righting frame assembly fell off the Fast Rescue Craft.

What happened?

During a routine rescue drill the self-righting frame assembly fell off the Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) into the water while the FRC was transiting at approximately 15 knots. The self-righting frame was recovered by the FRC crew and returned to the vessel, where the cause of failure identified, and repairs completed.

Failure of self-righting frame on Fast Rescue Craft

Self-righting frame after the accident

Failure of self-righting frame on Fast Rescue Craft

The corroded bracket on the frame and FRC

Failure of self-righting frame on Fast Rescue Craft

The corroded bracket on the frame and FRC

What went right?

  • The hazards and risks of the rescue drill had been identified and discussed in the Toolbox talk with all personnel involved.
  • Appropriate protocol was followed, and Bridge crew were kept in communication throughout the recovery operation.
  • The FRC was repaired promptly to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specification.

What went wrong?

  • A third-party inspection of the FRC had been completed two months before the incident. The inspection required only a visual check of the self-righting frame and did not include checking the integrity of the frame securing arrangements.
  • Over time the securing arrangements were stressed and showed signs of galvanic corrosion.

What lessons were learnt?

  • The integrity of self-righting frames should be periodically inspected. This may involve the removal of the frame.
  • Reviewed FRC inspection checklist and procedure to ensure the self-righting frame is periodically removed and inspected.

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