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Retrieval of buoys

In October 1995, IMCA published guidance R 1/95 (now referred to as IMCA R 001 – Plastic spherical air-filled fishing buoys) referring to plastic spherical buoys, sometimes know as ‘Grimsby’ buoys or ‘Neukleons’. These buoys are used on ROVs and other umbilicals. Safety Flash 09/01, issued this August, contained a reminder of the dangers inherent in the use of these buoys (Failure of plastic floatation buoy).

We have now received a report of another incident, where an umbilical buoy burst after being on deck for approximately three hours, during which time the buoy was full of seawater. This could have resulted in a serious injury.

The company reporting the incident has recommended that, if these buoys are in use, safety face guards and gloves are to be worn during their retrieval and that all buoys are to be inspected prior to use and rejected if they have any pin holes, small cracks, etc.

Safety Event

Published: 1 November 2001
Download: IMCA SF 13/01

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