Types of Crew and Work Boat Accidents
While no two crew or work boat accidents are identical, these maritime accidents can be divided into two major categories. Maritime accidents on crew and work boats can occur in transit or in transfer.
Accidents in transit occur during the trip of a crew boat to or from a destination offshore. Some common in transit accidents include slip and falls on deck, falling due to bad handling of vessels, and being struck by heavy cargo.
While some in transit accidents occur due to rough seas and bad weather, others occur due to the negligence of drilling companies and operators. For example, the failure to keep the decks of crew boats dry is a common cause of slip and falls.
Crew transfers can be completed with a gangway, ladder, basket, or surfer. Maritime accidents can also occur in transfer. Drilling companies and operators as well as maritime workers are required to follow specific rules and guidelines for the safety of seamen and offshore workers. When these rules and guidelines are not followed, accidents and injuries are a common consequence.
Maritime accidents in transfer often occur when:
- Operators fail to brief transferees on proper procedures.
- Crews don’t have access to assistance at one or both transfer ends.
- There is no experienced personnel to supervise transfers.
- Personnel do not have access to handrails or other forms of support to hold onto during the transfer.
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