Skip to content

Workboat Failed During Transfer Operations Due to Fuel Contamination

What happened?

The Marine Safety Forum (MSF) has published a Safety Alert regarding an incident in which a workboat’s engine cut out. The incident occurred during a crew transfer operation by workboat. The crew’s engineer made several unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine. The Coxswain made contact with the vessel Master and advised him of the situation. The vessel proceeded to attend and the workboat was safely recovered.

Sediment build-up at the bottom of the workboat tank

What went wrong? What were the causes?

Vessel engineers discovered that the fuel in the tank was contaminated due to water condensation causing a build-up of bacteria. The source of contamination was water or moisture in the tank due to condensation in the tank head space; this resulted in a build-up of bacteria turning into sediment. The sediment caused the fuel oil fine filter to clog preventing the engine from starting.

Planned maintenance system (PMS) instructions with respect to inspection and maintenance were clear, but had not been followed. The vessel did not hold spare filters on board.

What actions were taken? What lessons were learned?

  • Check fuel and tank quality through planned maintenance inspections, treat and/or clean as applicable;
  • Ensure workboat fuel tank levels are maintained to prevent condensation/water building up;
  • Ensure a stock of essential fuel filters are held on board.

Members may wish to refer to the following incident:

Safety Event

Published: 19 March 2018
Download: IMCA SF 06/18

Relevant life-saving rules:
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report

IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.