Incident Overview:
An offshore worker fell into the sea from a height of one metre while moving from a platform to a non-DP vessel through a motion-compensated gangway. When the vessel drifted away from the platform, the gangway detached, leaving a gap that the worker fell through. The worker managed to hold onto the platform’s boat landing and was promptly rescued. Following a medical assessment, the worker was deemed fit to return to work.
Positive Outcomes
- The gangway functioned according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and was operated correctly.
- The worker was safely rescued within 22 seconds, with the boat landing officer using a swing rope to assist.
Issues Identified
- After the worker stepped onto the gangway tip and held the handrails, he heard a warning signal and a verbal alert from the boat landing officer on the platform, causing him to take a step back. At that moment, the vessel drifted away, initiating the gangway to disconnect. As a result, the worker lost his balance and fell through the opening.
- When the worker hit the water, his life jacket failed to inflate. However, he managed to cling to the boat landing until the team rescued him.
Root Cause
- The vessel, operating with manual station-keeping (non-DP), failed to maintain its position and drifted from the platform.
- The worker stepped backwards after the warning instead of holding his position and securing himself, which contributed to the fall.
Key Takeaways and Actions
- Understand the emergency procedures for gangway use before starting the transfer.
- Avoid distractions and ensure others do not interfere during transfer operations.
- Vessel crews and gangway operators must be fully trained and prepared to handle drift-off scenarios, with clear communication protocols and assessments.
- Regularly inspect life jackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs) to ensure they function correctly.
- Update safety induction materials to include all relevant emergency scenarios – this was done following the incident.
Note: The original version of this Safety Flash is available from the IMCA website.
