Case Study: Lack Of Continuous Monitoring At Issue In Shipyard Fire
A 2020 shipyard fire aboard the Iron Maiden was able to start and spread without notice because no one was continually monitoring the vessel while fire detectors were shut off during repairs, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a report issued.
Marine Accident Brief 21/11 details the NTSB’s investigation into April 16, 2020, a fire aboard the dive support vessel docked at the Allied Shipyard in Larose, Louisiana. The fire caused $900,000 in damage. There were no injuries.
While the fire caused extensive damage throughout the generator room, the NTSB found fire pattern and damage indicating the fire started near the forward bulkhead.
Because the battery charger, alarm panel, and generator push-button start-stop panel were in the area of fire ignition identified by fire investigators, an electrical short from one of these components may have been the source of the fire. However, the exact location of the source of the fire could not be identified by fire investigators.
There was no crewmember or shipyard worker staying on board the Iron Maiden during the night of the fire. The vessel’s fire detection system was shut off while work was being conducted within the vessel to prevent false alarms from smoke and dust. In addition, there was no shipyard policy or vessel owner policy in place to have shipyard personnel or vessel crewmembers conduct safety rounds after hours when there was no work being done on the vessel.
“Fire and flooding are risks for both crewed and unattended vessels,” the report said. “To protect personnel, property, and the environment, it is good marine practice for owners, operators, and shipyard managers to coordinate and implement some form of continuous monitoring for vessels undergoing maintenance in a shipyard, in lay-up, or in some other inactive period without regular crews aboard. Continuous monitoring can consist of scheduled security rounds and/or active monitoring with sensing and alarm systems.”
Click here to view/download the Marine Accident Brief 21/11
Press Release
Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction
About Author
Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
About Author
Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
- Real Life Incident: Vessel Collision in Good Visibility
- Real Life Incident: Severe Injury To Deck Crew While Leaving Berth
- Real Life Incident: Departure Damage in Very Restricted Waterway
- Real Life Incident: Low Situational Awareness Has High Impact Consequence
- Real Life Incident: Fouled Anchor in a Designated Anchorage
- Real Life Incident: Fire On Barge Carrying Scrap Metal Causes $7 Million Worth Of Damage
Latest Case studies Articles You Would Like:
Subscribe To Our Newsletters
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.
Web Stories