Last issue of Maritime New Zealand makes reference to an accident involving lifeboats’ fall wire ropes highlighting the importance of proper maintenance of such equipment. A man drowned when a cable or fall wire supporting a lifeboat on a cruise ship failed, plunging him and another crewman into harbour waters.
Fire Explosion in Beached Tanker in Alang
An explosion and subsequent fire on-board a beached tanker at the Alang-Sosiya Ship Recycling Yard in India killed five workers and severely injured two others on Saturday, according to Indian officials. The fire broke out at 12.45 pm on the 163-metre-long MT Union Brave, a tank-ship purchased recently by Bhavnagar-based Kiran Ship Breaking Co. for recycling. The vessel was beached at plot 82.
Increasing Safety through Cognition
This month OGP’s Human factors Sub-Committee (HFSC) released a report on its website based on a study regarding the cognitive issues that are associated with safety and environmental incidents within the oil and gas industry.
Regarding safety issues it should be understood that engineering solutions alone may not be enough to prevent hazardous occurrences, no matter how well designed an engineering system may be. The role that human resources play in the operation of any safety-system is often critical and it requires significant support as well as knowledge and understanding of safety issues. OGP’s study direction is towards a better understanding of the psychological basis of human performance which is critical for safety systems performance, their operation as well as their future improvement.
Rescue Boat Fatal Accident – Investigation Report
At 1549 on 7 February 2011, the rescue boat on board the UK registered car carrier, Tombarra, plummeted approximately 29m from its davit into the water below, killing one of the rescue boat’s four crew. The accident occurred when the boat’s fall wire parted as the boat was being recovered to its stowage during a monthly drill. Tombarra was alongside Royal Portbury Dock, Bristol.