A Near Miss is an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or damage – but had the potential

to do so.
Only a fortunate break in the chain of events prevented an injury, fatality or damage; in other words, amiss that was
nonetheless very near.

1. Lifting eye welding broke

Incident:
When hoisting an electric motor in the engine room, the welding broke on the lifting eye to which the chain block was
attached The electric motor fell from a height of about 3 m and landed just centimeters from the crewman operating
the chain block.
Possible outcome: Serious injury and death of the crewman
Reason: Overload, lifting eye of low capacity, bad quality welding
Remedial action: Using correct capacity lifting eye, weld must be of good quality
___________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Chuck jaw flew off lathe when starting

Incident:
During training for engine room duties, an assistant inquired about the metal lathe in the engine room workshop. Two
experienced hands explained how it worked but when they started the lathe, one of the three jaws flew off.
Possible outcome: The jaw might hit a crew or property resulting to injury and damage.
Reason: The jaw not tightened or installed properly, jaw not compatible with the chuck
Remedial action: Ensure that operational and safety procedures are carried out before operating the lathe using
checklists.

3. Crane moved sideways unintentionally (defective controls)

Incident:
While readying a crane, a stevedore started the pumps on a heavy duty crane to lift the boom off its rest cradle. When
the emergency stop was released on the operator console, the boom jerked sideways without the console having
been touched. The boom lifted from its rest cradle and hit a hatch. There was only cosmetic damage to the boom
and hatch.
Possible outcome: A crew might be caught in between or hit other property causing greater casualty
Reason: There might be a buildup of moist, and dirt inside the console
Remedial action: Electrical components, connections and circuity inside the console must be cleaned regularly using
appropriate cleaning materials.

Maritime English: Bridging Class Instructor: Edlynne Fabian-Perona 1