all users of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in marine operations followin

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has issued a warning to all users of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in marine operations following a serious accident at one of its member companies, which resulted in four fatalities and three seriously injuries.

“We want to urge members and non-members alike that where operations are undertaken by semi- or fully- automated machinery systems controlled by PLCs, that the behaviour of such machinery during restarting or resetting of their control systems must be fully understood; and then that the consequences of restarting or resetting such control systems during specific operations are fully risk assessed,” said IMCA chief executive Hugh Williams

“This should apply to any PLC-based machinery system where a high potential risk of injury or damage exists.”

Mr Williams continued: “As an industry we put great trust in PLCs and in the sub-contractors who install them, after all these devices control almost every piece of equipment on a modern vessel. But, as each vessel is bespoke it is difficult for one contractor to learn directly from another’s experiences.”

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