Failure of ROV lift umbilical winch brake – Update

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 1 October 2001
  • Generated on 18 April 2026
  • IMCA SF 11/01
  • 1 minute read

In the Safety Flash 09/01 we gave an update on the design problem found in a Macartney Cormax unit manufactured by Norlau (see Safety Flash 08/01 – Failure of ROV lift umbilical winch brake).

A Member advises that they have determined with the manufacturer of the winches that the hydraulic motors were inadvertently supplied without two check valves being fitted (although the circuit showed them being in place). The manufacturer will be refitting all of the Member’s winches with replacement motors. The Member understands (but cannot sure) that the manufacturer will be advising all other users of these winches about the problem. The Member is continuing to operate the winches in slow speed until each motor has been replaced.

Latest Safety Flashes:

LTI – crew member squeezed between buoy and cargo rail

A crew member was crushed between a large buoy and a cargo rail.

Read more
BSEE: Exterior Walkway separates from temporary living quarters, putting workers at risk

BSEE has published Safety Alert 513, relating to an incident involving a third-floor walkway outside temporary living quarters on an offshore platform.

Read more
UK HSE: electrician seriously injured on onshore wind farm

The UK HSE has fined a wind farm management company after a worker was seriously injured.

Read more
Unauthorised boarding and theft from vessel at anchor

An unknown individual boarded a vessel at anchor during night hours.

Read more
Death of seafarer due to fall from crane cabin

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) of India published Circular 04-2025 relating to an incident in which a seafarer took a fatal fall from a crane cabin.

Read more

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.