Marine Perception has revealed an investigation report into an incident the place a crew member fell overboard and later died whereas engaged on deck.
The Incident
A vessel was underway in good climate. Two deck crew had been directed to color the underside of the exterior stairway landings at bridge deck degree. They have been working from the boat deck and had been instructed to make use of a telescopic rod related to a curler brush to succeed in the world to be painted a number of metres above. After beginning the duty, one of many crew determined to put in a transportable A-frame ladder (stepladder) to help within the job. Utilizing an A-frame ladder with no allow to work was opposite to the corporate SMS, however the different member of the portray occasion didn’t dispute this motion.
A while later, the vessel modified course and began rolling because of the change in angle throughout the swell. Abruptly, the ladder tilted in direction of the ocean and the crew member on the ladder grabbed the drainpipe underneath the stairway touchdown with one hand to maintain his steadiness. On the subsequent roll, the ladder tilted once more and this time each the crew member and the ladder went overboard.
The remaining crew member ran to the port aspect and threw the closest lifebuoy in direction of the sufferer within the water because the vessel continued to steam forward. He then raised the alarm with the bridge staff. Briefly order a hard-over port flip was executed and the MOB place marked on the ECDIS. On the similar time, broadcasts have been made on the VHF to close by vessels. By this time all remaining crew of the vessel had mustered and headcount was taken.
Lookouts utilizing binoculars have been posted to find the sufferer and the rescue boat was readied. Inside minutes, the lookouts positioned the sufferer within the water. Because the vessel was manoeuvred near the sufferer, he appeared immobile, floating face-up. A close-by fishing boat shortly recovered the sufferer, however he had no pulse. The sufferer was introduced again on board the cargo vessel, however additional resuscitation efforts have been fruitless.
The investigation discovered, amongst different issues, that the sufferer ought to have consulted the CO or OOW earlier than utilizing the transportable ladder. Had he performed so, the duty might have been reassessed and a Threat Evaluation and a Allow To Work course of initiated for using the transportable ladder. Additionally, there could have been a language barrier between the 2 deck crew members that hindered fast and concise communication.
Classes discovered
Improvised plans can produce dangerous penalties. On this case the sufferer selected a whim to make use of a step ladder, but this software required a allow to work (PTW) earlier than use. The PTW, an administrative safety, would in all probability have ensured the right set up of the ladder, thus saving his life.
This firm had a really revolutionary system to assist crew provoke a ‘cease work’ effort; a whistle and STOP signal on a lanyard for every crew member. But, on this case it was not used. To facilitate a cease work initiative, not solely should crew have the correct instruments, however they should be given correct coaching of their use and an atmosphere of belief should be established.
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Supply: Marine Perception
