Working on Quays and Jetties

Quays and jetties are waterside structures used for vessel berthing, cargo handling, and marine construction access.
The edge of a quay or jetty is an unprotected drop into deep water — edge protection and PFDs are mandatory.
Tidal range changes water levels and exposes different hazards at different states of the tide throughout the day.
Marine structures can be slippery from algae, seawater, fuel, and weather — slip-resistant footwear is essential.
Crane and lifting operations on quays involve waterside hazards with limited escape routes if loads swing or drop.
Vehicle and plant movements on quays create struck-by risk in narrow working areas with water on one or both sides.
Vessel berthing and departure creates mooring line hazards — a snapping mooring rope is lethal.
Fender systems, bollards, and quay furniture create trip hazards along the quay edge.
Night working on quays requires enhanced lighting, reflective PPE, and heightened awareness of edge proximity.
Emergency rescue from water alongside quays requires lifebuoys, throw lines, and ladder access at regular intervals.

Drowning	An unprotected quay edge with deep water below is a continuous drowning hazard — PFDs and edge protection save lives.
Mooring lines	A snapping mooring rope under tension strikes with lethal force — no one should stand in the snap-back zone.
Slippery surfaces	Algae, fuel, and seawater make quay surfaces dangerously slippery — slip-resistant footwear and housekeeping prevent falls into water.

Do

Don't

Wear a personal flotation device at all times when working on quays and jetties.
Install edge protection along all open quay edges where workers are present.
Provide rescue equipment including lifebuoys and throw lines at regular intervals.
Wear slip-resistant footwear suitable for wet, algae-covered marine surfaces.
Stay clear of mooring lines under tension — never stand in the snap-back zone.
Use banksmen for all vehicle and plant movements on narrow quay areas.
Check tidal conditions daily and adjust work plans for changing water levels.
Ensure adequate lighting for all night working operations on quays.
Maintain clear pedestrian routes free of trip hazards along the quay edge.
Brief all workers on quay hazards, water rescue procedures, and PFD requirements.

DON'T work on quays or jetties without wearing a personal flotation device.
DON'T leave quay edges unprotected where workers could fall into the water.
DON'T work on quays without rescue equipment accessible at the water's edge.
DON'T wear smooth-soled boots on wet quay surfaces — slip-resistant footwear only.
DON'T stand near mooring lines — they snap under tension with lethal force.
DON'T allow uncontrolled plant movements on narrow quay areas without banksmen.
DON'T ignore tidal changes — water levels affect access, stability, and rescue options.
DON'T work on quays at night without adequate lighting and reflective PPE.
DON'T leave fenders, bollards, and equipment creating trip hazards near the edge.
DON'T assume you can swim to safety — cold water and tides make self-rescue unlikely.

See also: Marine Works Safety Awareness | Drowning Prevention and Water Safety

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