200206 Hydraulic Winch Failure

Hydraulic Winch Failure
Report No. 200206

During berthing operations the back spring had been put out and was being used to heave the vessel into position. A hydraulic coupling on the mooring winch gave way, squirting a jet of hot hydraulic oil all over the mooring station. The spring that was being heaved in began "paying out" rapidly as the drum could not take the weight due to loss of hydraulic power.

If the hot oil had landed on one of the mooring crew, it could have caused severe burns to the face or body and may have also caused eye damage. In addition, the rapid "paying out" of the spring could have caused injuries.

It is recommended that winches be inspected and tested periodically. They should be covered by planned maintenance and not just mended when they break down. The crew should wear appropriate protective equipment and clothing when on mooring stations.