Anchor handling on deck

A member has reported a recent incident on board an anchor handling vessel which resulted in a serious injury to one of the deck crew.

The cause of the injury was whipping of a tugger wire that parted under load whilst manoeuvring a disconnected anchor across the deck. The anchor was disconnected from the lay barge for wet storage and was being moved to the stern of the vessel for over-boarding. It tipped over the stern roller and broke one of the attached tugger wires (24mm) due to slack in the pennant wire allowing excess movement of the anchor.

The company involved has identified the following as good practice:

1. Include toolbox talks with the crew before the start of a new job. Implement toolbox talks for any non-routine work. Keep minutes of these talks and action list;
2. Perform regular checks on all load-bearing apparatus/rigging;
3. Always maintain tension on the pennant wire when over boarding anchors over the stern roller;
4. Always follow approved procedures when performing operations;
5. Be aware of action/position of all crew members and ensure that all personnel are in safe areas and aware of the work