Unsafe attempt of personnel transfer between vessels
- Safety Flash
- Published on 11 April 2018
- Generated on 10 December 2025
- IMCA SF 08/18
- 2 minute read
Three people from a sub-contractor were observed trying to move from vessel to vessel whilst alongside, by slipping through the bulwark guardrails.
What happened?
There was no proper gangway in place. The personnel were stopped and company requirements on safe access between vessels was explained to them. The vessel subsequently changed its location and moored to the quayside and a gangway was deployed for safe access. Though there were no injuries, the case was raised as a near miss given the high potential for serious injury.
What went wrong? What were the causes?
Crew members or visitors should only board and disembark the vessel via a correctly rigged gangway. Different vessel types and designs should be taken into account for a safe gangway installation. Crew or visitors should not jump from the vessel to the quay or to another vessel under any circumstances; lives have been lost through failure to follow safe access procedures.
What actions were taken? What lessons were learned?
Company safety management system (SMS) requirements for safe access were re-emphasised to all relevant contractors accessing the vessel. A revision would be conducted of company checklists for visitor/3rd party safety inductions to ensure that the communication of the need for safe access & egress requirements to any visitor when accessing the vessel.
Members may wish to refer to
- IMCA HSS025, LR012, M202 - Guidance on the transfer of personnel to and from offshore vessels and structures.
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.