Lessons learned after the loss of life on board a dredger vessel

The Directorate General of Shipping, India has published a casualty circular with lessons learned after the loss of life of a second officer on board a dredger vessel.

Incident Summary

The vessel, recently engaged in dredging operations, underwent routine maintenance at the port.

On 13 June 2023, during good weather, the second officer and GP rating inspected the hopper on a floating pontoon.

Due to instability, the pontoon tilted, causing the GP rating to fall into the hopper.

The second officer, trapped due to a safety harness, could not be rescued immediately.

Despite emergency alarms, the second officer was retrieved but declared dead at the hospital.

Causal Factors

1. Use of non-approved ship-made pontoon.
2. Lack of stability testing for the floating pontoon.
3. Inadequate risk assessment and failure to identify hazards.
4. Failure to follow Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seaman.
5. Failure to follow and maintain hopper tank entry procedures.
6. Lack of a nearby standby person, causing rescue delays.

Lessons Learned

1. Conduct toolbox meetings before hopper tank work to raise awareness of potential hazards.
2. Develop and review SMS procedures for specific tasks to cover all risks.
3. Review risk assessment procedures for hopper tank maintenance and repairs.
4. Emphasize safe working practices in potentially hazardous areas.
5. Issue a company circular for vessels to use tested, approved, and certified pontoons.
6. Provide additional safety training for crew working in hoppers.

This circular was published on 3 November 2023.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Loss of Life of Second Officer on Board Dredger Vessel