Bunkering hose dropped to deck – incorrect lifting procedure

What happened?

A bunkering hose was dropped to deck from 11m in the air. A vessel had just completed cargo operations with a supply vessel. The operation had included the transfer onto the vessel of a fuel bunker hose. In preparation for fuel bunkering operations the vessel rigging crew lifted the hose using the pre-installed hose saddles and lifting slings that were attached. When the hose was approximately 11m up, one end of the hose dropped to the deck. No-one was harmed.

What went wrong? What were the causes?

On inspection, it was identified that the lifting sling had been incorrectly installed onto the hose saddle. The sling should have been choked around the saddle and fuel hose but instead, was found choked around the non-load bearing urethane sling guide.

Although no-one was harmed, and no-one was stood directly under the load, CCTV footage shows the deck crew being in “at risk” positions during the lifting operation and handling the load for no apparent reason.

What lessons were learnt? What actions were taken?

• Safe positioning of lifting crew during crane operations – active supervision at all times;
• Thorough inspection – before use – of all pre-rigged lifting equipment coming from external parties;
• Reiteration of the importance and the correct use of Lift plans;
• Stop the job when exposed to unfamiliar equipment!

Members may wish to review the following incidents:

• Near-miss: Dropped torque tool
• Incorrect lifting equipment used