An able seaman was injured when a weathertight door holdback arrangement failed as he was stowing stanchions into a locker. The seaman sustained an impact injury on his calf from the swinging door. An investigation found the holdback arrangement showed signs of wear and tear and was inadequate to secure the door. Weather conditions caused the securing hook to unlock from vessel movement. The company inspected all door and hatch holdbacks, fabricated a more robust arrangement for the door, and shared the learning with the fleet and industry to improve safety.

1. The information available on this Safety Flash and our associated web site is provided in good faith and only for the
purposes of enhancing safety and best practice. For the avoidance of doubt no legal liability shall be attached to any
guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
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Marine Safety Forum – Safety Flash 13-32
Issued: 17th
July 2013
Subject: Failure of Weathertight Door Holdback Arrangement
Whilst stowing some stanchions into a locker, an Able Seaman was injured when the door hold
back arrangement failed. The Seaman sustained an impact injury on his right calf. Luckily for the
Seaman involved, he entered the store sideways and sustained the impact on his calf muscle.
On receiving the impact, the Seaman shouted to his watch mate who immediately proceeded to
help him. The Bridge was notified and first aid administered. Radio medical advice was sought, an
ice pack applied and the IP monitored. The ice pack helped to reduce the swelling and the injured
Seaman was able to put weight and walk unaided. Once the vessel returned to port, the injured
Seaman attended a doctor who confirmed there were no broken bones. The injured Seaman was
prescribed painkillers and resumed normal duties during his next watch.
Causes
1. The door holdback arrangement indicated signs of wear & tear and was not an adequate
means to secure the door.
2. Weather conditions during the time of the incident were choppy and the vessel’s movement
caused the securing hook to unlock. This was confirmed during the investigation when a
sharp impact on the door caused the hook to come undone.
3. The inadequate holdback securing arrangement was not noticed as this store is normally
only accessed when the vessel is in port.
Actions taken and/or planned
1. A more robust arrangement was fabricated and fitted.
2. All other door and hatch hold backs were inspected on the vessel.
3. Learning shared with fleet and wider industry.
Position of IP’s right
leg when the door
swung and impacted
on his calf muscle
Arrangement is bent.
Inadequate curvature
of hook & does not
fit correctly into the
securing eye

2. The information available on this Safety Flash and our associated web site is provided in good faith and only for the
purposes of enhancing safety and best practice. For the avoidance of doubt no legal liability shall be attached to any
guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
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Additional comments
The injured Seaman was extremely lucky not to sustain a more serious injury. In the majority of
instances such an impact would have resulted in a broken bone.
The Company concerned instructed their vessels to;
1. Inspect onboard door and hatch securing arrangements.
2. All inadequate and unsuitable arrangements are to be modified and changed to a more
robust arrangement.
3. All personnel are reminded to report any defects as soon as possible.
4. The energy associated with a swinging door or falling hatch can be considerable. Securing
arrangements will deteriorate over a period of time and all such arrangements must be
inspected regularly for any signs of damage or wear. Such checks must be part of the
Safety Officers inspections.
5. Review safe access on board, in particular when entering/exiting lockers and hatchways.
New arrangement
fabricated and fitted