Watertight Doors – Crew Safety and Crushing Risks

Watertight doors are designed to protect a vessel’s integrity and survivability, but they are also capable of causing severe crushing injuries to crew if not operated correctly. Fatal accidents have occurred during routine operations, often where familiarity, insufficient awareness or inadequate training reduced the margin of safety. Even where crew are familiar with these systems and properly trained, complacency can increase the risk of serious incidents.

These doors are powerful, close quickly and can exert significant force. This Risk Alert draws attention to the risks associated with watertight doors and highlights practical safety considerations to support correct use, training and situational awareness.

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