IMCA Safety Flash Overview

IMCA Safety Flash Overview

• IMCA Safety Flashes provide summaries of key safety incidents to improve learning and prevent recurrence.
• Members are encouraged to share safety incidents for broader awareness and learning.

Incident: Loss of Heading Control During Diving Operations

• Occurred at a Floating Production Unit (FPU) during diving operations.
• Only one operational thruster (aft port) was available after isolation of the forward thruster and failure of the starboard aft thruster.
• Standby pump did not start, leading to total loss of azimuth control, resulting in loss of heading.
• Diving Supervisor secured the work site and ensured safe recovery of divers to the surface.
• Key issues:
  • Maintenance of thruster equipment deemed routine and allowed during operations.
  • Lack of risk assessment for heading control and emergency preparedness.
  • Unclear communication regarding diver safety during the incident.

Incident: Tank Implosion Due to Lack of Knowledge

• A tank implosion resulted from a vacuum created during the pumping of Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) into a reservoir.
• The delivered tank was larger and unfamiliar to the operators, lacking necessary documentation.
• Manual air inlet valve, essential to prevent vacuum, was not opened due to inexperience.
• New supplier’s capabilities not properly evaluated prior to operations.
• Actions taken:
  • Increased focus on supplier onboarding and familiarization with equipment.
  • Ensure management of change (MoC) protocols are followed, especially involving third-party equipment.

USCG Alert on Discarded Munitions

• The United States Coast Guard issued Safety Alert 02-24 about hazards from discarded ammunition, containing explosives or chemical agents.
• Significant amounts of munitions remain in coastal waters, posing risks to fishermen and ocean floor workers.
• A recent incident involved a deckhand suffering severe burns from a dredged canister containing explosives.

Incident: Chain Hoist Failure

• An overhead electric chain hoist container weighing around 30kg fell approximately 0.8m, injuring a crew member during pipelaying operations.
• The failure occurred at one of the hoist's securing points.
• The container hit the crew member's shoulder/back, causing contusions and bruises.

This quiz covers key safety issues and incidents highlighted in the IMCA Safety Flash, promoting the learning of lessons to enhance overall safety. Participants will explore how sharing information prevents the recurrence of incidents, contributing to a safer working environment.