Movement of vessel during crane operations caused near-miss
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 April 2008
- Generated on 14 February 2026
- IMCA SF 05/08
- 2 minute read
A Member has reported a near-miss involving two persons working at height, which was caused by a shifting in position of the vessel due to movement of the vessel crane.
What happened?
During a vessel mobilisation, two personnel were required to conduct work at height on some of the vessel’s antennae. Access to the antennae was gained using a man-riding basket attached to a shore-side crane. The personnel were raised by the crane from the quay and positioned at the worksite to commence the work.
During the work on the antennae there was an independent request to move the onboard vessel crane to conduct a lift as part of the mobilisation. As the onboard crane moved overboard it caused the vessel to heel, which in turn caused the work area where the two personnel were located to suddenly move away from the man-riding basket. This may have given the impression to the two personnel that the man-riding basket was moving.
Immediately the bridge was contacted by the operations supervisor who in turn contacted the crane operator to order an all-stop on the vessel crane movements. No personnel were injured during this incident.
The incident illustrates the need for good communications between all departments and personnel, particularly during simultaneous operations. Whilst the two operations did not appear to conflict, they had an effect on one another. Improved communication links should be established between shore crane and operations control via the bridge to prevent further incidents.
Members may wish to review Guidance on operational communications.
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.