A joint collaboration between Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), National Maritime Safety at Sea Council (NMSSC) and WSH Council, published a video to raise workplace safety and health awareness and encourage adoption of good WSH practices when transferring to and from vessels.
The video reminds personnel boarding vessels at anchorages about good WSH practices when boarding from pier to launch, launch to vessel and then vice versa when disembarking, and the importance of donning life jacket:
Key instructions to follow:
- Hold on to the handrail at all times;
- Ensure a good sense of balance;
- Do not hold on to any bags or objects;
- Maintain 3-point contact.
Cross over to the gangway
To cross from the pilot ladder onto the gangway continue to climb until your feet are at the same level or slightly higher than the gangway. Then step one foot onto the gangway and cross over only when on firm footing.
It is important to maintain three point contact at all times. Once on the gangway, hold on to the handrail with both hands, while maintaining three-point contact and proceed slowly up to the deck.
Leaving the vessel
You will only be allowed to go to the launch if the seat conditions are safe. You may also decline if you feel that it is unsafe or if you are feeling unwell. Then, make sure that you have put on the proper personal protective equipment, especially your life jacket, and keep both hands on the handrail.
As you walk down the gangway, upon reaching the pilot ladder, grab onto it with one hand and begin climbing down, while maintaining three-point contact at all times.
It is crucial to stay alert to your surroundings while climbing down the ladder. As you get nearer to the bottom listen closely to the instructions from the launch master or the assistant, as they will instruct when it is safe to transfer.
Upon receiving command, get onto the launch only when it is about the same level as the ladder. After that, proceed to let go of the ladder and place one foot onto the deck of the launch, while at the same time reach for the handrail.
