While there is a significantly higher exposure to the environment when working on an open deck during adverse weather, there can also be significant risks present in what could be considered sheltered workspaces.
As Nahush Paranjpye, Loss Prevention, Steamship Club, explains, activities may be urgently required to secure the safety of the vessel and its crew. Risks must always be properly identified, evaluated, and mitigated as far as reasonably practicable, particularly when working on and below deck in adverse weather. Risk assessments, procedures, toolbox talks and the appropriate permit to work are particularly important before commencing any task.
More speficially, Mr. Paranjpye notes that contributory factors to heavy weather injury could include:
- Vessel motions – rogue waves varying in direction and size could induce a sudden and severe roll. Similarly, parametric rolling could result in a dangerous situation on board.
- Housekeeping issues – leaks, spills, litter, loose / unsecured floorplates and other hazards such as unsecured doors, hatches or other accessways etc.
- Tripping hazards (design / construction).
- Slippery decks (wet / icing / oily).
- Illumination, ventilation, and air quality.
- Noise, vibrations, and other physical attributes.
- Hot surfaces.
- The need to lift/move heavy loads.
- Condition of ladders, walkways, floorplates, railings, and their appendages such as safety riggings including lifelines, fall arrestors etc.
- Fatigue and mental occupational health.
- Emergency situations.
- Need to access: Unmanned Machinery Spaces; Cargo spaces.
Furthermore, Chapter 11 of the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen (COSWOP) addresses these risks. More specifically, Section 11.12 of the code addresses adverse weather and states that:
- If adverse weather is expected, lifelines should be rigged in appropriate locations on deck.
- No seafarers should be on deck in conditions that the master considers adverse weather unless it is considered necessary for the safety of the ship, passengers and crew, or the safety of life at sea.
- Where possible, work should be delayed until conditions have improved, e.g. until daylight, or until the next port of call.’.
- The lashings of all deck cargo should be inspected and tightened, as necessary, when rough weather is expected. Anchors should be secured, and hawse and spurling pipe covers fitted and sealed when rough weather is expected, regardless of the expected voyage duration.
- Work on deck during adverse weather should be authorised by the master and the bridge watch should be informed.
- A risk assessment should be undertaken, and a permit to work and a company checklist for work on deck in heavy weather completed.
- Any seafarers required to go on deck during adverse weather should wear a lifejacket suitable for working in, a safety harness (which can be attached to lifelines) and waterproof personal protective equipment including full head protection, and should be equipped with a water-resistant UHF radio.
- Head-mounted torches should be considered.
- All seafarers should be under the command of a competent person.
- Use of stabilising fins (if fitted) to reduce rolling and adjusting the vessel’s course and speed should be considered to mitigate the conditions on deck.
- If possible, visible communication should be maintained from the bridge, but if not, other continuous communication should be maintained.
- Seafarers should work in pairs or in teams.
