Lifeboat davit failure on UK Antarctic research ship caused by poor training, lack of compliance

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) recently published its investigation report into the mishap involving a lifeboat on Sir David Attenborough, a research vessel operated by British Antarctic Survey on behalf of the National Environment Research Council, over two years prior.

On March 4, 2021, the port lifeboat from Sir David Attenborough fell into the water while the crew were practising lifeboat drills.

The investigation found that a critical interlock device on the lifeboat davits had heavily corroded due to lack of maintenance. The interlock failed to operate correctly and subsequently caused the lifeboat to fall from the davit and into the sea with three crew on board.

The investigation also found that the installation of the lifeboat davits was not in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and did not meet international regulations.

Safety issues

• The safety equipment survey had failed to identify that the davit installation was not compliant with SOLAS.
• The ship's crew had not been trained in the operation of the davit and were unfamiliar with the correct operating procedure.
• The ship's operator had suspended maintenance of critical equipment.

Recommendations

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is recommended to review its processes for delegating Safety Equipment Surveys to Recognised Organisations and ensure that feedback mechanisms are in place to provide the necessary assurance that the surveys have been carried out effectively and in compliance with SOLAS regulations.

A second recommendation has been made to the MCA to review its policy for delegation to consider whether it is appropriate to delegate initial safety equipment surveys for newbuild vessels or those joining the UK register.