- Enter the IMCA Awards 2024: We\'re looking for outstanding Safety, Sustainability, and GHG projects.
- IP Code: Mandatory Code enters into force on 1 July. Make sure your company is up to speed with the changes.
- Early Bird tickets available for the IMCA Global Summit 2024. 3-4 December, Utrecht, Netherlands. Members can save £400.
- Discover how we are helping Members reduce emissions: Explore the ProjectGHG hub now.
- Now booking. Join the Lifting and Rigging community at our Technical Seminar in Amsterdam. Thursday 12 September 2024
- Now booking. Underwater Ship Husbandry Seminar. 10 October 2024, Singapore.
OCIMF: Pilot ladder side rope failure: Unsafe pilot transfer
What happened?
During the disembarkation of two pilots from a condensate tanker, the right anterior side rope of a pilot ladder failed. The structural durability of the ladder was visually assessed by the first pilot and determined to be satisfactory; the second pilot managed to disembark without incident. Further inspection of the ladder revealed a parted side rope, which affected the overall stability of the ladder.
Whilst an incident did not occur this time, the failure of the side rope did in fact create an unsafe condition for pilot transfer, therefore creating a high potential hazard.
What went wrong?
- The pilot ladder side rope had been weakened due to mould;
- Inspections that were in place were ineffective.
What actions were taken? What lessons were learned?
- A close visual inspection by trained personnel could have noticed the damage;
- Improvement needs to be made to the ladder inspection processes;
- Update knowledge on finding faults with pilot ladders and rope damage;
- Change the pilot transfer procedure and review alternative methods.
Members may wish to refer to the following incidents:
Safety Event
Published: 30 October 2018
Download: IMCA SF 24/18
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding [email protected] to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.
IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall 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.