A general cargo vessel was in an African port preparing to discharge its cargo of steel bars. The Chief Officer planned the cargo operation and told the bosun to prepare the cargo hatch covers and the ship’s crane to lift off the hatches, which would be carried out by the ship’s crew.

The plan was to start with the most aft cargo hold of the four holds. Each hold had two cargo hatch covers. Two ABs attached the lifting gear to the first hatch cover. They were all wearing the correct PPE, including work boots, high-visibility jackets and a hard hat.

The lifting gear included wires with shackles secured to the hatch cover. When the wires were secured to the hatch, one AB attached a fibre web sling to the wires as it was difficult to hang the wires on the crane hook.

MSS Case March: Injured during cargo operation

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For more Loss Prevention information, please contact: 
Joakim Enström,Loss Prevention Officer
E-mail: joakim.enstrom@swedishclub.com

Each month the Club’s Loss Prevention team issues a new safety scenario to assist members in their efforts to comply with international safety regulations and follow best practices. 

When discussing the case, please consider that the actions taken at the time made sense for all involved. Do not only judge but also ask why you think these actions were taken and could it happen to your vessel?