Marine TSB report M23P0235

TSB Canada: Unintended Free-Fall Lifeboat Release Aboard Bulk Carrier

What Happened: During operations in the Trincomali Channel, British Columbia, the bulk carrier Golden Zhejiang experienced an accidental release of its free-fall lifeboat. This serious incident resulted in injuries to crew members. The event highlights critical safety considerations surrounding the maintenance, operation, and emergency preparedness for life-saving appliances on board vessels.

Immediate Operational Checks: All officers and independent mariners are urged to conduct the following immediate checks to prevent similar incidents:

• Verify the integrity and proper securing of all free-fall lifeboat launching and recovery arrangements, including hydrostatic release units and securing pins.
• Review and confirm crew familiarity with the vessel’s specific free-fall lifeboat operating procedures, including emergency release protocols and maintenance schedules.
• Inspect all components of the lifeboat release mechanism for signs of wear, corrosion, or malfunction, ensuring they are free of obstructions and operate smoothly.
• Confirm that all safety interlocks and fail-safe devices are fully functional and correctly engaged when the lifeboat is stowed.
• Conduct a thorough review of the vessel’s planned maintenance system (PMS) for life-saving appliances, ensuring all checks and servicing are up-to-date and properly documented.

Lessons Learned:

• Inadequate maintenance or inspection of lifeboat launching and recovery gear can lead to catastrophic failures, including unintended release.
• Insufficient crew training, familiarization, or adherence to established safety procedures for lifeboat operations significantly increases the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Failure to identify and rectify latent defects or deficiencies in life-saving appliance systems can compromise their reliability and safety during critical moments.
• Proper supervision and adherence to checklists during any operation involving life-saving appliances are paramount to prevent accidental activation or release.

Tags: Free-fall lifeboat, Life-saving appliances, Safety equipment, Crew injury, Bulk carrier

Official Report

Read the full safety report here: Marine transportation safety investigation report M23P0235