The IMCA presents an incident where during launch testing of a lifeboat, a turnbuckle and shackle weighing 7kg fell 23m from the davit onto the boat.
Incident
During the launch testing of a lifeboat, a critical incident occurred. A turnbuckle and shackle, collectively weighing 7 kilograms, fell approximately 23 meters from the davit.
The equipment landed perilously close, within a meter, of a worker who was in the process of securing the falls at the lifeboat hatch. Miraculously, the worker escaped physical harm, although the lifeboat sustained minor cosmetic damage.
What Went Wrong?
The incident resulted from a mechanical failure. The turnbuckle in question had a design that hindered a visual inspection of the thread engagement. The threaded end, merely 13 centimeters in length, was secured into the buckle with just a single thread.
This inadequate engagement ultimately led to the turnbuckle’s detachment, causing it to fall during the testing. Unfortunately, the missing bottom end of the turnbuckle was lost at sea, complicating the investigation.
This situation highlights the critical importance of robust design and thorough inspection protocols to prevent such incidents during lifeboat testing or any other potentially hazardous activities.
Actions
- The lifeboat was secured to the falls and the area cleared before it was lifted;
- The remaining maintenance pennant turnbuckles were removed from the other lifeboats, and the threaded end measured was 17-18cm with plenty of thread though the buckle;
- Similar turnbuckles on other vessels in this fleet were examined carefully;
- Arrangements were made to replace “closed” turnbuckles with “open” turnbuckles that can be properly inspected;
- Company arranged with the lifeboat OEM to source appropriately specified open type turnbuckles from their supplier;
- Procedures revised to include thorough DROPS inspection of turnbuckles and other rigging overhanging the lifeboats before launch.
Did you subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: imca
