201063 Fatality during PWC launch

Fatality during PWC launch
MARS Report 201063

 

•  
• Typical PWC slinging arrangement

 

Evidence of deterioration caused by exposure to solar UV
radiation

 

 

While at anchor, a large yacht was launching personal water craft (PWC, commonly referred to as a 'jet ski'). When the first PWC had been lowered to main deck height, a deckhand boarded the craft to ride with it to the water, to release the lifting slings and bring the PWC round to the stern of the yacht. The deckhand was standing on the PWC and main-taining balance by holding the synthetic crane cable. With the PWC suspended approximately two metres above the water, lowering was resumed. Almost immediately, the inboard lifting slings failed and the PWC dropped to the water.

Without the support of the PWC, the deckhand was unable to hold on to the crane cable and fell on to the PWC in the water. He landed face down and although remaining conscious throughout, sustained serious chest injuries. The deckhand was removed from the water and transferred to a local hospital. Sadly, he subsequently died from his injuries.

Root cause/contributory factors
Deterioration of synthetic fibre web slings due to combined effects of exposure to solar UV radiation and tight crimped eye loop around corroded steel spreader beam;
Inadequate onboard maintenance and inspection regime;
Inadequate documentation Ð the history and origin of the lifting sling were not readily apparent. It was stated that it was supplied with the PWC, but the model and manufacturer of the sling could not be identified and no manufacturer's documentation of certification could be located.

Lessons learnt

The risks inherent in all lifting operations, including the launching of watercraft, must be rigorously assessed and safe working practices developed.
Procedures for lifting operations should be developed, adhered to during use and periodically reviewed.
'Man riding' activities should only be carried out using certified and tested loose gear.
The guidance in the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen, section 15.2 (Working aloft and outboard) and section 21.2 (Use of lifting equipment) should be fully taken into account.
Loose gear should be visually inspected before each use and be integrated into the onboard maintenance, inspection and testing regime.
Examinations of lifting appliances and loose gear should be carried out by persons competent, by virtue of their knowledge and experience, to do so.
When visually inspecting loose gear, sufficient areas under tape and other 'protective coverings' should be inspected such that the overall condition of the loose gear can be properly assessed.

Recommendations/preventative actions

All webbing and rope strops should be stowed out of sunlight and, in any case, ought to be replaced at least every second season.