Working on Deck
There are many hazards when working on a vessel’s deck – below are some of the basic precautions:
- Ensure that crewmembers wear suitable buoyancy devices when working on deck and especially when working in exposed positions.
- Keep deck areas clean and tidy. Remove rubbish at regular intervals to reduce the hazard. Don't let lines or gear clutter the deck.
- Don’t stand in the bight of a line!
- Slipping, falling and tripping injuries are frequent aboard working vessels. Falling against machinery or through deck openings can be just as dangerous. The falling hazard is made worse by rolling and pitching decks, byrunning gear, wet slippery conditions and by fatigue.
- Don't let crew members work alone on deck in dangerous sea condition sunless the bridge has been informed.
- Make sure lines are properly coiled and stowed and wire ropes wound on their drums when not in use – this prevents the formation of kinks and bights.
- Don't let ropes or lines dangle over the side where they can foul the propeller and don't throw away pieces of rope or net where they might pose a hazard to other vessels.
- Crewmembers should wear suitable clothing with no obvious snag points, remove or cover jewellery and tie up long hair when shooting and hauling gear.
- The consequences of ‘gear parting’ can be serious injuries or even fatalities. It is therefore essential that gear is well maintained and correctly sized. Check wires, ropes, shackles, fittings etc as they will eventually wear or corrode and may fail when high loads occur. Crewmembers should remain out of the likely path of travel of breaking gear at all times.
- Check all gear on a regular basis.
- Crew must be prohibited from using any winches or cranes unless they have been instructed in their safe operation.
- Always ensure that instructions are clearly heard and understood. Safe working loads are not to be exceeded.
- Crew must be warned to stand clear of rigging under tension or weights suspended in the air.
