Incident alert

A UK marine aggregate dredger was in the final stages of a refit at a UK shipyard. During the refit, the ship had been supplied with fresh water through a shipyard hose. Shipyard workers were recovering the hose after it had been disconnected by a crew member, who had connected two sections of hose together.

As the hose was hauled up by hand through a hatch, the bayonet connection between the two hose sections caught on the coaming; resulting in the two sections separating. The lower section dropped through the hatch; and, despite a shouted warning, struck the crew member on the forehead; requiring hospital attendance to close the wound.

A review of the incident established the following;

• Beyond disconnecting the hose, crew members were assisting shipyard staff with a task, with which they did not need assistance
• Interaction between ship and shore personnel was not planned, assessed or coordinated
• The crew member failed to properly connect the hose sections together
• Whilst medical treatment was provided to the IP, the opportunity to preserve the scene and secure evidence was lost
• Adequate PPE was not being worn.

• Interaction between crew and contractors must be planned; to properly understand the task and apply necessary control measures.


• An appropriate level of assessment must be used for all tasks; including those perceived as low risk or minor.


• First-Aid/ medical treatment must be provided; however, duties must be assigned to ensure an incident scene is preserved; and evidence secured for investigation.


• Compliance with prescribed PPE requirements is mandatory; requirements must be clear to employees and not subject to interpretation.