MAR/Specific/TBT-MAR-007

Piling in Water (Marine)

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Piling in Water (Marine)

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-MAR-007  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Marine piling involves driving or boring piles through water into the seabed or river bed below.
  • Operations take place from barges, jack-up platforms, pontoons, or temporary staging over water.
  • Drowning is the primary risk; all personnel must wear personal flotation devices at all times.
  • Tidal conditions dictate working windows; piling may only be possible during certain tide states.
  • Marine piling rigs are heavy and must be secured against vessel movement, waves, and current.
  • Noise from marine piling can exceed 120 dB and requires hearing protection zones on the vessel.
  • Environmental restrictions may limit piling during fish spawning seasons or marine mammal activity.
  • Transfer between vessels and working platforms is a high-risk activity requiring controlled procedures.
  • LOLER 1998 applies to all crane and rig lifts; lifting over water increases the consequences of failure.
  • Weather and sea state monitoring is essential with defined stop-work criteria for wave height and wind.

Why?

Prevent drowningWorking over water with heavy plant and unstable platforms creates immediate drowning risk if anyone enters the water.
Vessel stabilityPiling forces, wave action, and load shifts can destabilise barges and platforms, risking capsize and total loss.
Environmental lawMarine piling requires environmental permits. Breaching protected species conditions leads to prosecution and project shutdown.
Do Don't
  • Wear a personal flotation device at all times when working over water.
  • Check tidal windows and weather forecasts before starting each piling shift.
  • Secure the piling rig against vessel movement, waves, and tidal current.
  • Establish man overboard procedures and position rescue equipment on the vessel.
  • Use controlled transfer procedures for moving between vessels and platforms.
  • Enforce hearing protection zones around the piling rig during driving.
  • Monitor environmental restrictions including marine mammal observation requirements.
  • Ensure all lifts comply with LOLER including over-water risk assessments.
  • Define stop-work criteria for wave height, wind speed, and tidal conditions.
  • Brief the full team on emergency procedures including vessel evacuation.
  • DON'T work over water without wearing a personal flotation device.
  • DON'T begin piling without checking the tide state and weather forecast.
  • DON'T operate the piling rig if the barge or platform is not stable.
  • DON'T transfer between vessels by jumping; use controlled access methods.
  • DON'T ignore marine mammal observers or environmental restriction windows.
  • DON'T remove hearing protection within the noise zone during pile driving.
  • DON'T continue operations if wave height or wind exceeds stop-work limits.
  • DON'T leave rescue equipment stowed where it cannot be deployed in seconds.
  • DON'T lift loads over personnel working on the vessel or platform deck.
  • DON'T assume calm conditions will persist; sea states change rapidly.

See also: Marine Works Safety Awareness | Tidal Working Procedures
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