During a routine maintenance task, two seamen were assigned to lubricate and free up the release hooks on a starboard lifeboat, which had been found seized during a Port State Inspection the previous day. Both seamen were equipped with lifejackets and hard hats. They successfully freed and greased the forward hook, but discovered the aft hook's operating rod was broken. After lubricating the aft hook, they secured it in the closed position with lashing to prepare for hoisting.

The Chief Engineer and Chief Officer were called to inspect the hooks. The Bosun raised the lifeboat to embarkation level with the seamen on board, leaving it suspended by the falls. The Chief Officer, wearing work gear and a hard hat but no lifejacket, joined the seamen on the lifeboat to check their work.

Moments after the Chief Officer boarded, the forward hook unexpectedly released, causing the boat's forward end to drop and hang vertically from the aft fall. All three crew members were thrown into the water. The two seamen managed to keep the unconscious Chief Officer afloat until they were rescued by a pilot launch and transferred to shore for medical attention.

Investigation revealed that the forward hook's release mechanism was poorly maintained, with a missing locking pin and inadequate crew knowledge of its operation.

Recommendations for Vessel Owners

1. Ensure all onboard safety and maintenance documentation is available in the crew's working language.
2. Implement formal risk assessment procedures across all vessels, integrated into the company’s safety management system.
3. Establish training protocols to ensure crew members have the necessary skills and knowledge for safe task execution.
4. Adhere to IACS Recommendation 71 for developing shipboard technical manuals.

Source For further guidance on maritime safety, refer to the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.