- 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.
Rope on propeller causing partial loss of propulsion
What happened?
A platform supply vessel (PSV) started mooring operations whilst stern to a platform, without anchoring, in order to conduct a snatch lift. The platform crane operator started to lower a mooring rope of 20cm diameter to the port side of the vessel’s stern quarter bollard area. The deck crew then fixed the end of the mooring rope to the bollard.
At this time, part of mooring rope was lowered to the water. There was a miscommunication between the crane operator and the deck crew, and as a result the rope was fouled on the port side propeller resulting in a subsequent port side engine shut down and partial loss of vessel propulsion.
What went wrong? What were the causes?
- There was a lack of proper planning and risk assessment during the mooring operation;
- There was inadequate communication between the platform crane operator and the mooring crew on deck, which resulted in the mooring line being dropped in the water;
- The deck crew did not notify the bridge in a timely manner when the rope was lowered into the water, and thus the propeller was fouled by the rope.
What actions were taken? What lessons were learned?
- There needs to be adequate means of communication between crane operator, deck mooring team and bridge officer on watch (OOW);
- Proper attention should be paid to the job in hand during mooring operations to ensure a timely reaction to any unforeseen events;
- More detailed risk assessment required for this task where the vessel takes a mooring rope from a platform or rig;
- Stop work authority should be exercised when in doubt.
Members may wish to refer to the following incident:
Members may also wish to refer to:
Safety Event
Published: 11 April 2018
Download: IMCA SF 08/18
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.