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Marine Safety Forum – Safety Flash 13-33
Issued: 5th
August 2013
Subject: Hand Injury whilst stowing Fast Rescue Craft (FRC)
The crew were in the course of stowing the port Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) using the port davit.
The Chief Officer was operating the davit; deckhand 1 was on the forward bowsing line, Coxswain
on aft bowing line. Number 2 deckhand (Injured party) was on the stowing hook rope.
When the FRC was almost in its final position the IP went to assist the Coxwain at the aft end,
whom he perceived was having problems keeping the FRC steady. As he attempted to assist, the
boat rolled and he put his hand out to steady himself, he didn’t look where he put his hand and
inadvertently placed it on the FRC davit frame. The davit was still moving and as it lowered it came
into contact with the IP’s fingers pinching them between the two surfaces. The IP immediately
shouted, on hearing this, the davit operator raised the davit thus releasing the IP’s fingers from the
pinch point.
The IP was taken to the treatment room and first aid was administered by the AMA on-board.
He continued to work and carried out his watch keeping duties. However as a precaution he was
transferred to another vessel and taken to hospital for further checks.
The x ray examination concluded that he had suffered a crush type injury to his index and middle
fingers on his right hand.
 Wind light 0.5 Knots
 Sea state 3.5 Mtrs
 Visibility good
An investigation was conducted and resulted in the following findings :
 The IP was an experienced seafarer; however this was his first trip on this vessel.
 A toolbox talk had been carried out and a risk assessment was available on board.
(Although pinch point not specifically mentioned)
 The IP had taken part in a controlled launch and recovery in port during an MCA audit the
previous port call (8 days prior to the incident) The IP had taken part in 6 previous launch
and recovery exercises that trip.
 His role was to act as the stowing hook line operator. This was agreed to be the safest and
most appropriate way for him to become familiar with the process.
 The IP felt his colleague on the aft bowsing line required assistance and moved to aid him,
this was not part of the agreed plan and this was not his role in the activity.
When doing so the boat rolled he lost his footing and reached his hand out to steady
himself. He never actually saw what he had put his hand on until it became pinched
between the two surfaces.
 The davit arrangement had been onboard for many years with no similar incident, however
upon investigation it was found that pinch point had not been highlighted or marked, it is
understood it had been in the past but this had since been painted over.
Recommendations from the submitting Company
 Train any new crew about specific dangers related to pinch points during davit operations.
 Clearly highlight specific pinch point on davit.
 Davit arrangement to be investigated to establish how/if pinch point can be eliminated.
 Hand pinch point hazard survey sent to all vessel’s in fleet.
 Risk assessment to be reviewed and amended as appropriate.