Lessons Learned: Seaman Falls from Quay Access Ladder

A crew member fell overboard throughout operations alongside, experiences an IMCA Security flash.

What occurred?

The incident occurred whereas a crane was getting used to unload a smaller waste container on the vessel to a bigger one on the jetty. To entry the jetty from the vessel, it was mandatory to make use of a set ladder on the wall of the jetty. This was in poor situation, and was lacking a step midway up. Whereas the crew member was climbing up the ladder, the crew member was distracted by motion of the vessel’s mooring strains, simply on the level of inserting a foot the place the lacking step ought to have been. The crew member misplaced steadiness, fell onto the gunwale, after which into the water. There was a right away activation of the vessel’s emergency response process, and the crew member was safely recovered with out severe damage.

What may have gone higher?

The entry ladder was in visibly poor situation and had a lacking step, but it remained in use; each port administration and vessel administration may properly have seemed to deal with this.
The crew member was conscious of the lacking step and will have reported it or exercised the Cease Work Authority.
Crew had been utilizing the ladder earlier with out incident, and saved on doing so with out stopping and excited about it – is that this really protected?
While climbing a ladder it’s a good suggestion to pay attention and keep away from being distracted.

What may be learnt?

Focus and focus: generally, small distractions can add as much as huge disasters; what distraction may take your thoughts off the job for simply an on the spot, that would kill you or your workmates?
Is there a greater, safer option to do what we have to do? Can different entry be organized?
Consider quayside situations—resembling ladders, lighting, and quay motion—in pre-job threat assessments and toolbox talks.
If one thing is damaged, deteriorated, or in poor situation, don’t simply settle for it and keep it up – cease the job, report it, and see what may be finished to repair the issue.