Step 3 of 4•4 minutes read
Common Accidents Resulting from Human Element Onboard
The working environment on board yachts is not considered the safest; every crew member and company should keep that in mind. Even though several precautions are taken for various circumstances, incidents still occur due to human error.
Various conventions have introduced codes and regulations to ensure the safety & security of seafarers on board. However, there are still various life-threatening incidents happening worldwide...
...every seafarer needs to have knowledge of these common risks and understand how to avoid them.
These most common life-threatening situations include but are not limited to:
- Mooring Operation Accidents.
- Man Overboard Accidents.
- Enclosed are Space Entry Accidents.
- Machinery Explosions Accidents.
- Lifeboat/Tenderboat Accidents.
- Working Aloft Accidents.
Mooring Operations
Mooring is one of the most common operations carried out on board, regardless of vessel type. That being said, it is still considered one of the most dangerous operations, resulting in various traumas ranging from slight injuries to even death. Several ship officers and crew members lose their lives yearly because of accidents related to such operations. Therefore, proper knowledge of the hazards during mooring is paramount.
Human Error: Crew member wearing jewellery during mooring operations.
Man Overboard
Man overboard occurs when a crew member or person falls from a yacht/boat into the sea due to an accident or work. Unfortunately, although every seafarer is properly trained and aware of this risk, it is still happening simply due to human error. When seafarers become complacent about certain procedures, these accidents tend to occur. Man overboard is more likely in situations such as:
-
Bad weather and heavy seas.
-
Intoxicated crew member.
-
Extreme cold temperatures.
Enclosed Space Entry
Enclosed space entry accounts for many casualties and incidents happening onboard, even though vigorous training is provided onboard and ashore for seafarers. Such accidents occur when a person enters a space unsafe for entry; there may be gasses and vapours or just a lack of oxygen (<20%) due to long-term closure; this environment will not support human life. An enclosed space entry procedure is found on every yacht which carries out such operations, highlighting the actions to be taken step by step. Still, many lives are lost to this day due to a feeling of security gained from carrying out such operations regularly or from a lack of knowledge, which makes the seafarer unaware of the potential danger.
Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash
Machinery Explosion
Improper maintenance or following correct procedures when using machinery may cause potential explosions. Accidents, including crankcase explosions and compressor blasts, have caused serious injuries and even fatalities. Promoting a safety culture on a ship and following the company-approved SMS maintenance system onboard will help prevent accidents.
Working Aloft
Working Aloft or working at heights is another procedure that is usually required to be carried out onboard yachts regularly to maintain the vessel. Safety Harnesses and other tools are provided to the crew members on board to ensure that the job is conducted safely. Unfortunately, accidents do still happen either due to the failure of safety equipment or due to negligence.
Lifeboat Accidents
The testing of lifeboats during drills is a required procedure by SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea). However, these lifeboat tests have, on various occasions, resulted in the loss of life. New regulations have been implemented to ensure utmost safety whilst handling lifeboats, but accidents ranging from injuries to deaths still occur due to the human factor.
Tender Lowering Operations
Another prevalent cause of accidents is tender lowering operations. Crew tend to become complacent and not take the proper precautions due to the task being done on several occasions, sometimes even more than once a day. It is not the first time a man overboard has resulted from these operations due to the lack of quality safety procedures and correct use of personal protective equipment.
Human Error: Crew member being lowered in a tender not wearing the appropriate PPE.
Accidents on board may occur for various reasons, but it is important to note that Human Error is the main factor for incidents, accidents and near misses.