Positioning of emergency positioning indicating radio beacon
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 July 2003
- Generated on 30 April 2026
- IMCA SF 06/03
- 1 minute read
IMCA recently received details of an incident involving a dropped object.
What happened?
A vessel was undergoing a port state inspection in conjunction with a radio surveyor. During the inspection of the EPRIB (Electronic Positioning Indicator Radio Beacon), it was noted that it was a type that had to be removed from the holding bracket. The bracket was a spring clip type with a designated amount of tension that was mounted on the outside handrail on the monkey island. When the surveyor unclipped the EPRIB, the spring tension of the bracket forced it out of his grip resulting in the unit falling to the main deck below (approximately 50 feet). This could have resulted in major injury to personnel.
Recommendations
The recommendation made by the party concerned to members was to carry out a swift review of the position of EPRIBs on board their vessels and to move the holding brackets to a safer location if necessary.
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.