Shore leave
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 June 2004
- Generated on 21 April 2026
- IMCA SF 05/04
- 1 minute read
A Member has brought to IMCA’s attention that two of its offshore personnel were assaulted and seriously injured while their ships were in port and they were on shore leave.
What happened?
Neither of the assaults was brought on by aggressive behaviour by the victims and both incidents happened in European ports, neither of which would normally be associated with being particularly dangerous.
The company has requested each captain to place a warning notice at the top of the vessel’s gangway when in any port, reminding personnel that there is an element of risk associated with going ashore where there may be violent behaviour brought on, for example, by excessive alcohol consumption. Its advised notice is as follows:
“[Company] is unable to comment on the general safety of this port and, in particular, of the bars, night clubs, etc. in the surrounding area. We recommend, for your own wellbeing, that you do not go alone and that you avoid unlit alleys, parks, etc. Neither should you get into confrontational situations with aggressive or drunk individuals or groups. Going ashore on non-company business is at your own risk. We would remind you also of the company alcohol policy.”
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.