The Nautical Institute has recently issued a Mars Report to highlight how dangerous is to work alone and over the side by using the example of an accident in which an unsafe working practice was observed.
The Incident
The car carrier was leaving berth and the deck crew were at various tasks about the ship, securing lines and bringing in the gangway among other things. One crewman was at work securing the gangway. Working alone approximately seven metres above the water, without a life vest or lifeline, he secured the railing posts prior to bringing the gangway up to its stowed position. No unwanted consequences were known to be forthcoming – but an unsafe working practice was observed.
Lessons learned
- Unsafe working practices can creep into our daily routine by the very fact of their commonplace nature.
- When working over the side one should always wear a life jacket.
- Working alone while over the side virtually guarantees your death if you should fall in the water as no one will know you are in the water.
Source: The Nautical Institute/ Mars Reports
