Recommendation Date
Recipient Name
MSA
Text
consider extending the requirements of the 1996 SOLAS amendments regarding on-load quick-release hooks, to include off-load quick-release hooks.
Reply Text
'On Thursday 20 May 1999, an "off load" release hook failed when the hook released prematurely and a rescue boat fell some 15 metres to the sea surface.
'The contributing factors were many and varied, but amongst them was the fact that the "off load" release hook was not thoroughly examined, at least once every 12 months, and it was not overhauled as a matter of routine. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) in New Zealand have recommended that the Maritime Safety Authority (MSA) bring to your attention the following points of view:
...
'2. That the IMO consider extending the maintenance requirements of Regulation 20 of the SOLAS amendments regarding "on load" quick release hooks, to include "off load" quick release hooks.
'The latter consideration, had the maintenance regime been in place, might have prevented this accident happening. It would seem likely that the reason for omitting "off load" release hooks from regulation 20.11 must have been that they are not as vulnerable to inadvertent release as are "on load" hooks. However, the accident illustrated in the report which accompanies this letter would appear to reinforce the need to include "off load" release hooks in this regulation too.
'I look forward to receiving any comments IMO may have as to reasons why "off load" hooks were not referred to in Regulation 20 before considering making any further submissions regarding amendment to this Regulation.'
'The contributing factors were many and varied, but amongst them was the fact that the "off load" release hook was not thoroughly examined, at least once every 12 months, and it was not overhauled as a matter of routine. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) in New Zealand have recommended that the Maritime Safety Authority (MSA) bring to your attention the following points of view:
...
'2. That the IMO consider extending the maintenance requirements of Regulation 20 of the SOLAS amendments regarding "on load" quick release hooks, to include "off load" quick release hooks.
'The latter consideration, had the maintenance regime been in place, might have prevented this accident happening. It would seem likely that the reason for omitting "off load" release hooks from regulation 20.11 must have been that they are not as vulnerable to inadvertent release as are "on load" hooks. However, the accident illustrated in the report which accompanies this letter would appear to reinforce the need to include "off load" release hooks in this regulation too.
'I look forward to receiving any comments IMO may have as to reasons why "off load" hooks were not referred to in Regulation 20 before considering making any further submissions regarding amendment to this Regulation.'
Related Investigation(s)