Question 1

SEAHAKE's rescue boat remained afloat and was eventually recovered after the accident. What, according to BSU's technical findings, actually stopped the boat's near-freefall before it hit the water at full uncontrolled speed?

Accepted Answer

Frictional heat generated during the uncontrolled descent welded one bearing to the shaft, arresting the fall There was no functioning secondary system that caught the fall — BSU found that the same uncontrolled descent generated enough frictional heat inside the failed bearing to weld it to the shaft, which is what arrested the freefall. It's a stark illustration of how close this came to a much worse outcome, and why the recommendations focus on catching the defect before a drill, not on relying on a backup during one.

Question 2

You're asked to test a deck crane grab after electrical repairs nearby. As the grab is hoisted, what should have happened first?

Accepted Answer

The area within the grab's swing radius should be cleared of personnel before the lift On the bulk carrier Fairfield Eagle, a crew member working nearby was struck and fatally injured when a grab being test-lifted after repairs swung unexpectedly. The investigation found the area should have been cleared and barriered before the test lift began.

Question 3

A toolbox talk held before a lifting operation should explicitly cover which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Who must remain clear of the exclusion zone while the lift takes place A toolbox talk exists to make sure everyone present understands the danger zones, the abort signal, and — critically — who must not be in the area while the lift happens. The RMIMA investigation into the Fairfield Eagle fatality found the toolbox talk had not made this clear.