201047 Embarkation ladder rope parted

Embarkation ladder rope parted
MARS Report 201047

On one of our vessels, the lifeboat embarkation ladder rope parted during an abandon ship drill conducted in the presence of the US Coast Guard. The entire ladder had to be renewed before departure from port.

Corrective/preventative actions
Revised safety management procedures:

Embarkation ladders to be opened / laid out and carefully inspected during drills. Sections of rope to be twisted in the opposite direction from its lay and the inner core to be inspected to detect deterioration;
Embarkation ladder ropes to be renewed at intervals of not more than three years with renewal date stencilled in its vicinity.