Anchor handling on deck
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 December 2000
- Generated on 9 November 2025
- IMCA SF 07/00
- 1 minute read
A Member has reported a recent incident on board an anchor handling vessel which resulted in a serious injury to one of the deck crew.
What happened?
The cause of the injury was whipping of a tugger wire that parted under load whilst manoeuvring a disconnected anchor across the deck. The anchor was disconnected from the lay barge for wet storage and was being moved to the stern of the vessel for over-boarding. It tipped over the stern roller and broke one of the attached tugger wires (24mm) due to slack in the pennant wire allowing excess movement of the anchor.
The company involved has identified the following as good practice:
- Include toolbox talks with the crew before the start of a new job. Implement toolbox talks for any non-routine work. Keep minutes of these talks and action list.
- Perform regular checks on all load-bearing apparatus/rigging.
- Always maintain tension on the pennant wire when over boarding anchors over the stern roller.
- Always follow approved procedures when performing operations.
- Be aware of action/position of all crew members and ensure that all personnel are in safe areas and aware of the work.
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.