Failure of ROV lift umbilical winch brake – Update
- Safety Flash
- Published on 2 August 2001
- Generated on 4 November 2025
- IMCA SF 09/01
- 1 minute read
In the Safety Flash 08/01 (Failure of ROV lift umbilical winch brake) we reported an incident concerning an uncontrolled ROV umbilical winch run off involving a MacArtney CORMAX unit manufactured by Norlau.
The member company has updated us on this issue noting that the manufacturer has now acknowledged that there is a design problem and that until they can provide a technical solution, the manufacturer recommends that that winches should be operated at low speed only.
This is a short-term measure; the long-term solution may involve modifications to the winch system.
Related safety flashes
-
IMCA SF 08/01
1 August 2001
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.