A bulk carrier incident was reported by Marine Insight, in which a deck officer fell overboard while checking draught marks during cargo loading. The report highlights critical safety issues related to ladder use, fall protection, and crew readiness during routine deck operations.
What Happened
While checking the vessel’s outboard draught marks, a deck officer rigged a rope ladder over the side. The officer, wearing a non-inflatable life vest, began descending the ladder, approximately 7 metres from the deck. He soon encountered difficulty and called for assistance. A rating on deck observed the officer struggling and then falling into the water.
A lifebuoy was thrown but landed several metres from the officer, who was unable to reach it due to sea conditions (1.4 m sea on 0.4 m swell) and his physical limitations. The rating attempted to rescue the officer by entering the water, but could not reach him and returned to the ladder. Additional crew mustered and lowered the accommodation and pilot ladders. The officer was eventually pulled onto the lower platform of the ladder, where CPR was administered. Shore paramedics continued resuscitation efforts, but the officer was declared deceased.
Why It Happened
The incident was caused by the officer descending a rope ladder without proper fall protection. The ladder was installed incorrectly, and the officer’s physical condition may have contributed to the difficulty. Contributing safety factors included rough sea conditions, inadequate personal protective equipment for the task, and insufficient assessment of the risks associated with the ladder descent.
Actions Taken
The crew initiated an immediate rescue response using the accommodation and pilot ladders and provided CPR until shore paramedics arrived. The incident was subsequently investigated to determine the cause and contributing factors.
Lessons Learned
- Routine tasks, such as descending a rope ladder, require proper planning, risk assessment, and consideration of the physical ability of personnel.
- A descent of 7 metres on a rope ladder should only be attempted by physically fit crew members.
- Fall protection should be used whenever a crew member is at risk of falling 2.4 metres or more.
- Lifejackets alone may be insufficient in rough sea conditions.
- Correct installation and inspection of ladders are critical to prevent falls.
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Source: Marine Insight
