Near miss: Emergency stop pressed accidentally
- Safety Flash
- Published on 12 November 2019
- Generated on 28 April 2025
- IMCA SF 26/19
- 1 minute read
During DP operations a vessel lost its Port azimuth thruster.
The vessel suspended DP operations and safely pulled out of the 500m zone to allow investigation.
It was discovered that a crew member, while passing near to the port azimuth thruster control panel in the engine control room, inadvertently hit the emergency stop button with his elbow, resulting in a stoppage of the thruster.
What were the causes?
- Lack of situational awareness.
- There was a guard in place protecting the emergency stop switch, but it was not effective.
What actions were taken?
- All similar emergency stop buttons are to be identified throughout all vessels and replaced.
Featured Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 20/19
23 August 2019
-
-
IMCA SF 02/10
8 April 2010
-
IMCA SF 17/08
3 December 2008
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.