Construction workboats and vessels are used for transporting personnel, materials, and equipment on marine and river construction projects. Workers transferring between vessels and fixed structures face significant risks from vessel movement, wet and slippery surfaces, crush points between vessels, and the ever-present risk of falling overboard. All vessels must be properly maintained, crewed by qualified personnel, and operated within their safe working limits for sea state and weather conditions.
Key Hazards
Falling overboard during transfer between vessel and fixed structure or quayside
Crush injuries between two vessels or between a vessel and a fixed structure
Vessel capsize or swamping from operating in sea states beyond safe limits
Slips and falls on wet vessel decks and gangways during boarding and transit
Control Measures
Wear an auto-inflating personal flotation device at all times when on or transferring to any vessel.
Use designated boarding points and gangways with handrails for all vessel transfers.
Never step between a vessel and a fixed structure where crush points exist.
Ensure the vessel master holds the required qualifications for the vessel type and operating area.
Check the weather forecast and sea state before every voyage and cancel if limits are exceeded.
Maintain three points of contact when moving around the vessel in any sea state.
Ensure all safety equipment including lifebuoys, fire extinguishers, and flares are on board and serviceable.
Brief all passengers on the man overboard procedure and life jacket location before departure.
Report any vessel defects, damaged safety equipment, or concerns about sea state to the vessel master.
Emergency / Rescue
If a person falls overboard, shout 'man overboard', throw a lifebuoy, keep the casualty in sight, and alert the vessel master immediately. Call the coastguard on VHF channel 16 and 999.
Remember
Personal flotation devices must be worn at all times on any vessel, not just during transfers.
Crush points between vessels and fixed structures are lethal — never place any body part in the gap.
The vessel master's decision on weather and sea state limits is final and must not be overridden.
Three points of contact must be maintained at all times when moving around a vessel in any conditions.
Man overboard procedures must be briefed before departure and all crew must know the drill.
Damaged safety equipment must be reported and replaced immediately — it cannot be left until later.
Applicable Legislation: Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Health and Safety at Work) Regulations 1997 · CDM Regulations 2015 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974