Lessons learned: Request a review of COBRA coupling mechanism

International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) provides lessons learned from an incident regarding a small “champagne” leak the was noted in a diver’s COBRA hose during a diving operation.

The incident

During diving operations, diver 1’s right-hand COBRA hose had a “champagne” leak coming from the connection at the hat. The diver was instructed to return to the bell and the hose was changed. After the hose was changed, the diver lock-out checks were carried out and completed.

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Once on the seabed, diver 2 was instructed to check diver 1’s COBRA hose for leaks; a small champagne leak was noted. Diver 2 was able to stop the leak by tightening the knurled collar on the COBRA hose.

At the end of the dive, diver 1 returned to the bell, the bellman inspected the divers’ hat and it was identified that the right-hand hose knurled retaining collar at the hat connection had been cross-threaded and not fully tightened. This resulted in the hose pulling free from the hat when the bellman lifted the hat clear of the divers head with the pulley system.

Lessons learned: Request a review of COBRA coupling mechanism — Credits: IMCA

Probable cause

In the work environment, there was a lack of alternative indication – no other indication that the coupling is fully engaged, other than visual and the Rotawink green indicator. There was poor access and equipment layout – the bellman has limited manoeuvrability within the bell when fitting the hose.
With regard to human nature, there was an assumption that the Rotowink would remain red if the coupling was not properly engaged (cross threaded).

Lessons learned

Bellman and dive supervisor followed the pre-lockout checklist correctly and verified that the Rotowink indicator was green.
The Rotowink is a visual indicator that turns green when the system is pressurised and ready for use. Although coupling was cross threaded, the Rotowink remained green throughout the dive indicating that the system retained a positive pressure;
Ensure awareness is provided on:

#1 The potential for the coupling to be misaligned.

#2 The Rotowink may still give a green indication when coupling is misaligned.

#3 When correctly connected there must be no visible threads.

Engaged with supplier to request a review of COBRA coupling mechanism to see if engineering solutions within existing pressure couplings can be used (i.e. HP gas spin fits).