USCG

“A recent marine casualty, resulting in a fire and severe injuries to two crewmembers, highlights the risks associated with Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), performing hot work in hazardous zones, and the necessity of maintaining a robust lockout/tagout program.”

“Coast Guard Sector Honolulu and Hawaii State Fire Investigators are examining a recent marine
diesel fuel tank explosion on an uninspected commercial fishing vessel (CFV) moored for
maintenance at a state-regulated facility. The explosion injured five individuals and resulted in
one fatality.

Preliminary findings reveal that the vessel did not adhere to the “Hot Works” permit guidelines
issued by the State Department of Transportation (DOT), which authorized work on a water tank
hatch, engine room stairs, and spotlights. Witnesses confirmed welding was performed on a fuel
tank vent pipe that was neither certified gas-free nor “Safe for Hot Work” by a certified marine
chemist, as required by the permit. Consequently, diesel fuel vapors ignited, causing the
explosion.”