Floating Plant Operations

Floating plant includes barges, pontoons, jack-up platforms, and floating cranes used for marine construction work.
Vessel stability depends on load distribution, weather conditions, tidal state, and the operation being carried out.
All floating plant must have a valid stability assessment and be operated within the approved loading conditions.
Transfer between vessels and shore or between vessels is a high-risk activity — designated gangways and access points must be used.
Lifting operations from floating plant require additional planning to account for vessel movement, trim, and heel.
Mooring systems must be adequate for the tidal range, current, and weather conditions at the working location.
All persons on floating plant must wear PFDs and be briefed on the man overboard procedure before boarding.
Floating plant operators must hold valid maritime certifications appropriate for the vessel type and operating area.
Weather monitoring is critical — wind, wave, and tidal conditions can exceed safe operating limits rapidly.
Emergency equipment including lifebuoys, fire extinguishers, and communication devices must be on board and accessible.

Vessel stability	An overloaded or incorrectly loaded floating platform capsizes, throwing workers into the water — stability limits are non-negotiable.
Transfer risk	Stepping between vessels or from vessel to shore is when most man overboard incidents occur — controlled access prevents falls.
Weather vulnerability	Floating plant is exposed to rapidly changing marine weather — monitoring and stop-work triggers prevent capsizing and swamping.

Do

Don't

Operate floating plant within the approved stability and loading conditions at all times.
Use designated gangways and access points for all transfers between vessel and shore.
Plan lifting operations from floating plant accounting for vessel motion and trim.
Ensure mooring systems are adequate for the tidal range and weather at the location.
Wear a PFD at all times when on any floating plant or during transfer operations.
Hold valid maritime certifications for the specific vessel type and operating area.
Monitor weather, wind, wave, and tidal conditions continuously during operations.
Ensure emergency equipment is on board, accessible, and checked before each shift.
Brief all persons on the man overboard procedure before boarding any vessel.
Maintain communication between the vessel, shore team, and port authority.

DON'T exceed the approved loading or stability limits for any floating plant.
DON'T jump between vessels or step across gaps without using designated gangways.
DON'T carry out lifts from floating plant without planning for vessel movement.
DON'T use mooring systems inadequate for the expected tidal and weather conditions.
DON'T board any floating plant without a PFD and a man overboard briefing.
DON'T operate vessels without the required maritime certification for the vessel type.
DON'T continue operations when weather exceeds the safe operating limits for the vessel.
DON'T allow emergency equipment to be missing, expired, or inaccessible on board.
DON'T assume everyone knows the man overboard procedure — brief them every time.
DON'T operate floating plant without reliable communication with the shore team.

See also: Marine Works Safety Awareness | Tidal Working Procedures

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