Lessons Learned

Each entry keeps the source's own lessons separate from our plain-language educational summary.

IMCAIMCA SF 17/26Industry safety notice
Vessel contact during materials transfer in deteriorating weather
Source / investigation findings
- IMCA stresses that safety takes priority over commercial pressure and that stop work authority belongs to everyone.
- IMCA advises agreeing responsibility, authority and operational “red lines” before multi-vessel operations begin.
Gulf of America educational summary
- Write numeric wind and sea stop limits into the plan.
- Disconnect the load before you lose the ability to manoeuvre.
- Both bridges must share the same picture and the same authority to stop.
IMCAIMCA SF 12/24Industry safety notice
PSV loss of position and uncontrolled swinging load during backloading
Source / investigation findings
- IMCA highlights planning, risk assessing and adhering to operational limits for cargo transfer.
- IMCA advises DP personnel to review ASOG requirements and document that review.
- IMCA advises updating PSV lifting procedures and project ASOGs to account for loss of position and thruster wash on vessels alongside.
Gulf of America educational summary
- Your ASOG is only useful if it covers the actual operation, including vessels alongside.
- An out-of-limits alarm during a lift means stop the lift.
- Consider thruster wash from your own and neighbouring vessels in the cargo plan.
NTSBMIR-22/26Final report
Capsizing of liftboat SEACOR Power off Port Fourchon
Source / investigation findings
- NTSB found that had the crewmembers been required to carry personal locator beacons, their chances of being rescued would have been enhanced.
- NTSB found the search and rescue transponder held by the mate after he was swept into the water was not effective in signaling vessels or aircraft.
Gulf of America educational summary
- Know your vessel’s operational wind and sea limits and the decision point for not departing or for jacking down / securing.
- Do not rely on a single weather product; local convective cells can be under-sampled by radar.
- Personal locator beacons on each person materially improve the chance of being found.
- Rehearse egress from accommodation and work spaces assuming a rapid, large-angle heel.
BSEEBSEE Panel 2023-003Final report
Inspector fatally pinned by falling steel plates aboard drillship West Neptune
Gulf of America educational summary
- Before releasing any tie-down, ask: what moves when this lets go, and where am I standing?
- Store heavy plates so they are stable without the restraint.
- Short-service employees need a mentor and a clear job scope.
BSEEBSEE Panel 2020-001Final report
Rigger fatally struck by freefalling pipe, West Cameron Block 215 “A”
Gulf of America educational summary
- If something has fallen once, stop the job — the next one may hit someone.
- Use rated rigging, not manila rope, for lowering steel.
- Keep the drop zone barricaded and in constant view of whoever is lowering.
BSEEBSEE Panel 2019-002Final report
Subsea flowline jumper failure releases ~16,000 bbl, Mississippi Canyon 209
Gulf of America educational summary
- An unexplained flow or pressure mismatch is a possible leak until proven otherwise.
- Check that alarm setpoints can actually activate under real conditions.
- Post-hurricane restarts deserve extra scrutiny of subsea integrity.
BSEEBSEE Panel 2018-002Final report
External heater treater fire with three burn injuries, Grand Isle Block 115
Gulf of America educational summary
- Treat “turn off burners / isolate the vessel” steps as hold points, not suggestions.
- Carry a portable gas detector when working near fired equipment.
- Non-routine production tasks deserve closer supervision than routine ones.

Lessons Learned

Vessel contact during materials transfer in deteriorating weather

Source / investigation findings

Gulf of America educational summary

PSV loss of position and uncontrolled swinging load during backloading

Source / investigation findings

Gulf of America educational summary

Capsizing of liftboat SEACOR Power off Port Fourchon

Source / investigation findings

Gulf of America educational summary

Inspector fatally pinned by falling steel plates aboard drillship West Neptune

Gulf of America educational summary

Rigger fatally struck by freefalling pipe, West Cameron Block 215 “A”

Gulf of America educational summary

Subsea flowline jumper failure releases ~16,000 bbl, Mississippi Canyon 209

Gulf of America educational summary

External heater treater fire with three burn injuries, Grand Isle Block 115

Gulf of America educational summary