COSWOP

Question 1

List the precautions that should be observed prior to entering a deep tank on a general cargo vessel which has been used to store palm oil.

Answer 1

The following precautions should be taken prior to entering a deep tank on a general cargo ship so as to make the space safe for entry without SCBA, and to ensure that the space remains safe whilst persons are working in the space.

• A competent person should make an assessment of the space.
• A responsible officer should be appointed to take charge of the operation.
• A risk assessment should be carried out in order to identify potential hazards.
• The atmosphere of the space should be tested.
• A “Permit to Work” should be used.
• Where possible the space should be ventilated for at least 24 hours prior to entry.

Question 2

List the procedures and arrangements that should be observed prior to entering a deep tank on a general cargo vessel which has been used to store palm oil.

Answer 2

• Access to and within the space should be adequate and well illuminated.
• No source of ignition should be taken, or put into the space unless the Master or responsible officer is satisfied that it is safe to do so.
• Rescue and resuscitation equipment should be positioned ready for use at the entrance to the space.
• Rescue equipment means SCBA together with fully charged spare cylinders of air.
• Life lines and rescue harnesses.
• Torches or lamps approved for use in a flammable atmosphere.
• A means for hoisting an incapacitated person from the confined space may be required.
• The number of personnel entering the space should be limited to those who actually need to work within the space.
• A rescue harness should be worn by every person entering the space to facilitate recovery in the event of an accident.
• At least one attendant should be detailed to remain at the entrance to the space whilst it is occupied.
• Before entry is permitted it should be established that entry with breathing apparatus is possible.
• Lifelines should be long enough for the purpose and capable of being firmly attached to the harness, but the wearer should be able to detach them easily should they become tangled.

Question 3

List the procedures that should be followed when rescuing a casualty from an enclosed space.

Answer 3

• The attendant standing by the entrance should give the pre-arranged signal immediately.
• Should an emergency occur the general alarm should be sounded so that back-up is immediately available to the rescue team.
• Under no circumstances should the attendant enter the space before help has arrived and the situation has been evaluated to ensure the safety of those entering the space to undertake the rescue.
• Once the casualty is reached, the checking of the air supply must be the first priority. Unless he is gravely injured, e.g broken back, he should be removed from the dangerous pace as quickly as possible.
• No one should enter any dangerous space to attempt a rescue without taking suitable precautions for his own safety since not doing so would put his own life at risk and almost certainly prevent the person he intended to rescue being brought out alive.

Question 4

Explain what is meant by the term risk assessment.

Answer 4

A “risk assessment” is intended to be a careful examination of what, in the nature of operations, could cause harm, so that decisions can be made as to whether enough precautions have been taken or whether more should be done to prevent harm. The aim is to minimise accidents and ill health on board ship.

Question 5

Describe the requirements for safe access that must be complied with where a pilot is to board from a boat and the freeboard exceeds 9m.

Answer 5

• Pilot ladders should be rigged in such a manner that the steps are horizontal, and such that the lower end is at a height above the water to allow ease of access to and from the attendant craft;
• The ladder should rest firmly against the side of the ship;
• When an accommodation ladder is used in conjunction with a pilot ladder, the pilot should extend at least two metres above the platform;
• The rigging of pilot ladders and the embarkation and disembarkation of pilots must be supervised by a responsible officer of the ship, who should be in contact with the bridge;
• A life-buoy with self igniting light should be kept available at the point of access to the ship;
• At night, the pilot ladder and the ship’s deck should be lit by a forward-shining, overside light.
• It is clear of any possible discharges from the ship;
• It is, where practicable, within the mid-ship half-section of the ship;
• It is firmly secured to the ship’s side;
• Ther person climbing it can safely and conveniently board the ship after climbing no more than 9 metres.