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What happened?
A crew tender vessel (CTV) was being used for personnel transfers.
A pilot ladder was used, rigged port side aft, around 1.5m (5ft) above the waterline.
The anchored vessel was using the azimuth thruster to create lee for the CTV coming alongside.
During the transfer, there was a power blackout and the azimuth thruster stopped working.
It was decided to continue the transfer operation.
A worker stepped over from the CTV to the pilot ladder when the CTV rolled to port, away from the pilot ladder.
This unbalanced the worker, who fell into the sea. He was rescued unharmed.
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Why did it happen?
Uncontrolled and unexpected movement of the CTV during transfer caused by underestimated weather and sea conditions.
Vessel could not give lee due to insufficient power available.
- Person controlling the azimuth thruster allowed the load to increase too fast, causing the blackout.
‘Stop work’ policy was not triggered when the power outage started - transfer continued despite the vessel being unable to provide lee.
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What did they learn?
Consider installing boat landing platforms instead of pilot ladders.
Ensure sufficient generators are available in case of blackouts.
When conditions change, stop the activity, and reassess the risks.
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Ask yourself or your crew
What measures do we have in place to prevent power blackouts on our vessel?
What risk assessments do you carry out before personnel transfers?
How are our procedures different when operating in marginal (weather and sea) conditions?
What should you do if something unexpected occurs during today’s vessel transfer?
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What happened?
A crew tender vessel (CTV) was being used for personnel transfers.
A pilot ladder was used, rigged port side aft, around 1.5m (5ft) above the waterline.
The anchored vessel was using the azimuth thruster to create lee for the CTV coming alongside.
During the transfer, there was a power blackout and the azimuth thruster stopped working.
It was decided to continue the transfer operation.
A worker stepped over from the CTV to the pilot ladder when the CTV rolled to port, away from the pilot ladder.
This unbalanced the worker, who fell into the sea. He was rescued unharmed.
Why did it happen?
Uncontrolled and unexpected movement of the CTV during transfer caused by underestimated weather and sea conditions.
Vessel could not give lee due to insufficient power available.
- Person controlling the azimuth thruster allowed the load to increase too fast, causing the blackout.
‘Stop work’ policy was not triggered when the power outage started - transfer continued despite the vessel being unable to provide lee.
What did they learn?
Consider installing boat landing platforms instead of pilot ladders.
Ensure sufficient generators are available in case of blackouts.
When conditions change, stop the activity, and reassess the risks.
Ask yourself or your crew
What measures do we have in place to prevent power blackouts on our vessel?
What risk assessments do you carry out before personnel transfers?
How are our procedures different when operating in marginal (weather and sea) conditions?
What should you do if something unexpected occurs during today’s vessel transfer?
A crew tender vessel (CTV) was being used to transfer personnel. Several crew members embarked safely, but one crew member lost balance and fell into the sea. He was rescued unharmed.
