Subsea Spool Tie-In Incident

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson
Download our mobile app to listen on the go
Get App

Questions and Answers

In the described incident, what primary factor led the crane operator to incorrectly assume the hook had reached the seabed?

  • The crane operator's prior experience with similar operations.
  • A malfunctioning depth gauge on the crane.
  • The crane wire providing slack, indicating no tension. (correct)
  • The diving supervisor's direct visual confirmation.

Which of the following actions would be MOST effective in preventing a recurrence of the incident?

  • Increasing the speed of crane operations to minimise exposure time.
  • Implementing a policy of not using cranes in subsea tie-in operations.
  • Restricting diving operations to daylight hours only.
  • Enhancing visibility aids and ensuring clear communications between all parties. (correct)

What immediate action demonstrated effective emergency response following the helmet strike?

  • The diver reporting their condition and promptly returning to the dive bell. (correct)
  • The diving supervisor immediately reprimanding the crane operator.
  • Immediate suspension of all diving operations at the site.
  • A detailed investigation into the crane's maintenance history.

How did the incident highlight the importance of protective equipment in subsea operations?

<p>The helmet absorbed the impact, preventing injury to the diver. (C)</p>
Signup and view all the answers

Besides poor visibility, what was another key factor that Directly contributed to the crane hook striking the diver's helmet?

<p>Inadequate length of the crane pennant/stinger. (D)</p>
Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Crane Hook Incident

During subsea spool tie-in, a crane hook struck a diver's helmet due to the supervisor assuming the hook was on the seabed. The diver was unharmed due to the helmet's integrity.

Adequate distance

The crane pennant/stinger should be long enough to keep safe distance between divers and crane hook. This reduces accidental contact, especially with low visibility.

Enhanced Visibility

Using underwater cameras, sonar, or beacons can help track equipment in poor visibility. This prevents misjudging equipment locations.

Reinforce Communication

Always confirm equipment positions, minimize assumptions, and ensure clear communication between dive supervisor, crane operator, and divers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Updated Procedures

Update project plans with minimum pennant lengths and inspect rigging to ensure safety and standards are met, integrating lessons from incidents into the JHA.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Overview

  • During subsea spool tie-in operations, a crane hook struck a diver's helmet.
  • The diver sustained no injuries due to the helmet's integrity and durability.

Incident Details

  • Divers worked on the seabed in poor visibility during subsea spool tie-in.
  • After landing the pipe handling frame (PHF), the Diving Supervisor told the crane operator to lower the crane hook to allow the diver to disconnect rigging.
  • The crane operator reported 'no weight' on the crane wire causing the Diving Supervisor to assume the hook had reached the seabed.
  • The Diving Supervisor instructed the diver to disconnect the PHF.
  • The crane hook struck the diver's helmet while the diver was positioned under the PHF.
  • The diver was reported unharmed and returned to the dive bell, and the dive was aborted.
  • The diver's reclaim helmet was damaged beyond repair, including the side block.

What Went Right

  • Diver 2 helped Diver 1, preventing injuries.
  • Both divers returned to the bell safely.
  • Locating beacons on divers and the crane block aided tracking.
  • Procedures, lifting plans, and Job Hazard Analysis (JHA’s) followed throughout.
  • The diver was uninjured due to the protective equipment of the helmet.

What Went Wrong

  • The crane hook rested on the PHF's top beam, resulting in a 'no weight' reading.
  • The crane operator wrongly assumed the hook reached the seabed.
  • The hook slipped off the beam and struck the diver's helmet as the diver approached the disconnection point.

Causes

  • Inadequate crane pennant/stinger length did not give enough distance between divers and the crane hook.
  • Poor visibility hindered observation of the crane hook.

Lessons and Actions

  • Ensure adequate distance between divers and crane hook by using appropriate length crane pennant/stinger. This is especially important in limited visibility.
  • Use visibility aids and monitoring such as locating beacons, underwater cameras, or sonar as ways to track the crane hook's position in poor visibility.
  • Communicate clearly to prevent assumptions, and ensure procedures are reinforced between the dive supervisor, crane operator, and divers so all parties are aware of equipment locations.

Additional Member Actions

  • Project procedures updated to include minimum pennant lengths for different operations.
  • Pre-operation inspections conducted on all rigging and lifting equipment.
  • Updated Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) to incorporate lessons regarding safe distances, visibility, and communication.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser