Question 1

A gantry crane creates a known crush hazard between its structure and the hatch covers during cargo discharge. Based on MAIB's findings on Karina C, what control should be in place to keep crew out of this zone?

Accepted Answer

A physically enforced exclusion zone, since knowing where a danger zone is does not reliably keep a crew member out of it MAIB found no exclusion zone existed around Karina C's crush point, and the second officer entered it without the chief officer's knowledge. The primary lesson is explicit: a crew member who knows where the danger zone is cannot be relied upon to stay out of it, especially with impaired judgement.

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.