Skip to content

Positive: Master stopped unsafe fuel transfer whilst vessel alongside rig

What happened

During fuel transfer operations alongside a semi-submersible rig, the officer on watch on the supply vessel PSV observed welding work being undertaken on the deck of the rig. The vessel bridge immediately communicated this information to the rig control room using VHF, challenging why bunkering and hot work activities were being  carried out simultaneously. Stop Work authority was applied; the vessel stopped fuel transfer.

What went right

  • The vessel bridge team immediately intervened and challenged the unsafe condition of hot work (potential fire risk) taking place in close proximity to fuel transfer;
  • The unsafe condition was reported immediately to the client and to company management. The client’s rig management team positively recognized the vessel’s intervention and initiated an investigation of failure of communication to prevent re-occurrences.
Hot work observed by crew (orange figure on deck, circled)

What went wrong

  • That hot work was taking place, was not communicated to vessel;
  • Confirmation by the rig that SIMOPs were occurring, was a mandatory part of the Safety Zone check list communication process.

Safety Event

Published: 13 November 2023
Download: IMCA SF 26/23

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.