Near miss: Emergency stop pressed accidentally
- Safety Flash
- Published on 12 November 2019
- Generated on 15 September 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.
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