Vessel and Boat Safety

Work boats, barges, and support vessels are used for marine construction, surveys, and material transport.
All persons aboard must wear approved personal flotation devices at all times when on deck.
Vessels must be operated by qualified and experienced crew holding the appropriate maritime certificates.
Boarding and disembarking are high-risk activities — gangways must be secured and non-slip.
Deck areas become extremely slippery from water, oil, algae, and biological growth.
The Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels Regulations apply to all construction vessels in UK waters.
Life-saving equipment including life rafts, life rings, and distress flares must be aboard and in date.
Weather and sea state must be assessed before every vessel departure — safe operating limits apply.
Communication between vessel crew and shore-based teams must be maintained throughout operations.
Man overboard procedures must be briefed to all persons before the vessel leaves the berth.

Drowning prevention	Falls overboard from vessels in cold UK waters are rapidly fatal without rescue.
Legal compliance	Maritime regulations impose strict duties on vessel operators and those working aboard.
Deck hazards	Slippery decks, moving equipment, and vessel motion cause serious injury.
Weather risk	Vessels operating in conditions beyond safe limits risk capsize and loss of life.

Do

Don't

Wear a personal flotation device at all times when on deck or boarding.
Check weather and sea state before departure and monitor throughout operations.
Use secured gangways with handrails for all boarding and disembarking.
Confirm all life-saving equipment is aboard, accessible, and within inspection date.
Attend the man overboard briefing before the vessel leaves the berth.
Maintain three points of contact when moving around the vessel in motion.
Communicate vessel movements to shore-based teams before departure.
Wear non-slip footwear suitable for wet and oily deck surfaces.
Know the location of life rafts, life rings, and fire extinguishers aboard.
Report any vessel defects, safety equipment damage, or concerns to the skipper.

DON'T board or work on deck without wearing a personal flotation device.
DON'T operate a vessel without the required maritime qualifications and certificates.
DON'T proceed in weather or sea conditions that exceed the vessel's safe limits.
DON'T jump between the vessel and the quay — always use the secured gangway.
DON'T stand in bight of ropes or mooring lines during berthing operations.
DON'T sit on vessel gunwales, railings, or unprotected edges.
DON'T consume alcohol before or during any vessel operations.
DON'T stow loose equipment on deck where it can slide and strike personnel.
DON'T ignore seasickness — it impairs concentration and increases fall risk.
DON'T use out-of-date or damaged life-saving equipment aboard the vessel.

See also: Marine Works Safety Awareness | Man Overboard Procedures

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