The vessel was preparing to carry out a lifeboat drill, during good weather, and whilst it was alongside loading cargo.

A new Second Officer had joined the vessel, and one of his duties was to act as safety officer. The Chief Officer had planned to train the Second Officer about his duties in the role during the following voyage.

The vessel had just completed a scheduled drydocking, and this was the first loading afterwards. An external company had carried out the required five-year replacement of all wires for the lifeboats and the fast rescue boat. They had also completed the annual inspection of the hydrostatic unit, dynamic test of the winch brake and the on-load test, which is also mandatory every five years.

Read more about this case in the latest Monthly Safety Scenario.