The review will be announced by the MCA
Nautilus is seeking members’ views on the first big overhaul of UK merchant navy safe working practices since 1988.
The union is urging members to submit their views for a review of the UK Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen (CSWP).
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), which announced the review, is setting up a tripartite working group to guide the review process and to provide expert support for the drafting of specialist chapters. Work is planned to begin in May and run until the end of the year.
The review will address areas of the Code which MCA considers to be in need of updating to reflect changes to legislation, new industry guidance or MAIB recommendations.
It is proposing a new chapter to cover best practice for vessels serving the renewables industry. The review will assess issues such as putting the focus more on practical guidance for seafarers rather than regulation or legislation – for example, in the noise and vibration sections.
It will also consider whether the Dutch Safety First’ Code offers a viable alternative approach. And the MCA says it will also be examining format options, so that digital versions available to support the traditional hard copy of the Code.
Source: Nautilus Int.
