OOW QUESTIONS Flashcards
What are Merchant Shipping Notices (MSN)?
Mandatory information, must be complied with under UK legislation.
What is a Marine Guidance Note (MGN)?
Guidance on safety of life and the prevention of pollution.
Not law.
What is a Marine Information Note (MIN)?
Valid for a short period, relevant for a small group of people.
Not law.
What does SOLAS apply to?
Applies to all vessels on all voyages unless a warship or government non-commercial ship.
What are the main chapters of SOLAS?
Chapter 3 – LSA, Chapter 4 - Radio Communications, Chapter 5 – Safety of Navigation, Chapter 9 – ISM Code, Chapter 11 Part II – ISPS.
What are the 4 main IMO Conventions?
SOLAS – Safety of Life at Sea, MARPOL – Prevention of Pollution of the Marine Environment by Ships, STCW – Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, MLC - Maritime Labour Convention – governed by ILO.
What should you look for when getting out of the taxi to a new 2500GT ship?
Visual inspection bow to stern, Condition & setup of mooring lines, Load line – is the vessel overweight, 24 hr Gangway watchman, PPE and correct safety precautions for crew on the dock and on the exterior.
What should you check about the gangway?
Info found in COSWOP, Fire plan, Safety net, In contact with dock, Not more than 30 degrees, Adequate lighting, Non-slip surface, Handrails, Made fast to the vessel, Safe working load placard, Lifebuoy with light and line.
What documents would you expect to hand over to the Master?
SEA, STCW, ENG1, COC, GOC, Passport, Discharge Book.
What is ISPS?
International Ship and Port Facility Security Code for vessels over 500gt and passenger ships.
What is the validity of the international ship security certificate?
Validity is 5 years.
What does the ISPS certificate ensure?
Ensures compliance with SOLAS convention chapter 11 part II.
What are the MARSEC levels?
MARSEC Level 1 – Normal (access control onboard), MARSEC Level 2 – Heightened (limit access points, escort visitors), MARSEC Level 3 – Exceptional (single access, security personal only, no deliveries).
What is the purpose of the Declaration of Security (DOS)?
Determines who is responsible for what with regards to security prior to any operations taking place.
What are the main aims of the ISPS Code?
Control the access of person on board, Monitor activity of people and cargo operation, Detect security threats, Provide a security level to the ship, Assign roles and responsibilities for port state officers & onboard officers.
What is the Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR)?
Log book – Always with ship, Records all changes (owner, flag, name, Class, ISM), A copy must stay onboard even when it transfers flag state or is sold.
Who is responsible for the upkeep of the CSR?
The Master is responsible for the upkeep of the CSR.
What is the role of the Company Security Officer (CSO)?
Responsible for the ship security assessment & surveys, Ensure the ships conforms to the SSP as per ISPS, Deals with the non-conformities, Modifies SSP as needed.
What are the responsibilities of the Ship Security Officer (SSO)?
Ship security level, Crew members carrying out security duties as per SSP, Carrying out drills as per SSP.
What is the Ship Security Plan (SSP)?
Kept on board, Outlines crew member duties at different security levels.
What does the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) do?
Alarms shore authority of security threat. Doesn’t sound on ship.
What would you expect for an ISPS survey?
Access control procedures, SSP protected from unauthorized persons, Security level set correctly, All personnel aware of current level, Security equipment maintained, Drills carried out regularly, Restricted areas clearly marked, Searches carried out when required, Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) operational, CSO available at all times, Records are maintained.
What are the specifications for a pilot ladder?
Bottom 4 steps must be rubber, 5th step from bottom is a spreader (min 180cm wide), Can have only 8 normal steps between spreaders, Rope made from natural fibers (UV resistant).
What is included in the familiarization of a vessel for an OOW?
Safety Induction, SMS – checklist, Documentation up to date, Masters standing orders, Job description, Bridge equipment, LSA – status of planned maintenance, Drills - status.
How do you know you are joining an MLC compliant vessel?
SEA, Hours of Rest, MLC Certificate.
What does the STCW Code stipulate about mandatory rest for watch-keeping personnel?
10 hrs of rest in any 24-hour period, 77 hours in any 7-day period. Rest can be broken into 2 periods, One rest period has to be at least 6 hours.
What are the hours of rest for a young person aged 16-17?
12 consecutive hours rest in every 24 hour period, 2 days off per week.
What is included in your SEA?
Details of the ship and its owners, A crew agreement can last up to 12 months, The name of the crew member, Job description, Salary, Work & rest hours, Leave, Repatriation, Details of how the SEA can be terminated.
What are the limitations with ECDIS?
Overreliance, Alarm apathy, SCAMIN, Training must be generic & ‘type approved’, ENC’s lack whole world coverage, Different scales for adjacent charts, Incorrect inputs, Incorrect DATUM used, ECDIS needs to be updated, Cluttered display.
What is safety contour?
It shows the defining line between safe and unsafe water. Its setup in the ECDIS and takes into account draught, UKC, squat & HOT.
What is included in the content of Muster Lists?
Specify general alarm signal, Specify action taken by crew and passengers when the alarm is sounded, Specify how the order to abandon ship will be given, Shows duties assigned to crew members.
What is ISM?
Sets international standards for the safe management & operation of ships, Requires companies to document & implement clear procedures.
Which boats must comply with the ISM code?
All commercial ships over 500 GT, If SOLAS doesn’t apply then ISM is not mandatory.
What are the objectives of the ISM Code?
Prevent damage to property, Prevent human injury or loss of life, Prevent damage to the environment, Ensure safety at sea.
How do you know your vessel is compliant with the ISM Code?
Document of Compliance (DOC), Safety Management Certificate (SMC), Periodic audits (internal & external).
What is a Safety Management System (SMS)?
A structured & documented system under ISM Code.
The SMS
Safety & environmental policies, Operating procedures, Communication lines, Reporting procedures & accidents, Emergency procedures, Management reviews (Audits).
How would you check your LSA?
Lifebuoys monthly check: Correct location, Name of the ship is clearly visible, Port of registry is clearly visible, Retroreflective tape is in good condition, Paint in good condition, Man ropes are tied on correctly and in good condition, Check for any cracks in the plastic, Check that batteries for lights are within their battery life.
What would you have onboard to show that your ship is complying with ISPS?
ISSC, SSAS, SSO, SSP.
What is the REG Large Yacht Code?
Part A provides design criteria, construction standards, safety measures.
What does compliance with the LYC ensure?
Compliance with the Merchant Shipping Act, international conventions, international law.
What is included in the bridge familiarization?
Bridge equipment:
GMDSS, Radar & ARPA, ECDIS,
Autopilot settings, GPS, AIS, Echo sounder, Nav lights, shapes & ships whistle, BNWAS, RPM & ROT indicators, Speed & distance log, Steering & machinery controls, Stabilisers, Thrusters, VDR, Compass
What is a Passage Plan?
A berth to berth risk assessment following the APEM procedure to highlight the safest and most economical route.
What is involved in the appraisal stage of a Passage Plan?
Gathering of all relevant & current information including publications, paper charts, ENC’s, ships documentation & SMS, ship specific info, masters preferences.
What is included in the planning stage of a Passage Plan?
Drawing gathered information on to paper, Highlight hazards, Conduct chartwork, Obtain weather & tidal information, Decide on Safety Contour & Safety Depth, Obtain Distances & Times, Plan complies with international regulations.
What is involved in the execution stage of a Passage Plan?
Know the time of departure, Finalise passage plan, Finalise safety depths, Get latest information, Look at the plan as a continuous risk assessment.
What is involved in the monitoring stage of a Passage Plan?
Monitor life, vessel, environment, Monitor progress against the plan, Cross check all information.
What is NAVTEX?
Automated system for distributing MSI, A small printing radio receiver.
What frequencies does NAVTEX operate on?
518 kHz in English, 490 kHz in local language.
What information is mandatory to receive via NAVTEX?
A – Navigational warnings, B – Met, D – SAR, piracy, L – Additional.
What is MARPOL?
MARPOL is an international convention aimed at preventing pollution from ships.
What should be monitored against the plan?
Progress should be monitored to detect any departure from the plan.
What is NAVTEX?
NAVTEX is an automated system for distributing Maritime Safety Information (MSI).
What is the frequency for NAVTEX broadcasts in English?
The frequency for NAVTEX broadcasts in English is 518 kHz.
What is the frequency for NAVTEX broadcasts in local language?
The frequency for NAVTEX broadcasts in local language is 490 kHz.
What information is mandatory to receive via NAVTEX?
Mandatory information includes navigational warnings, meteorological information, search and rescue, piracy, additional warnings, ice warnings, and pilot services.
Name some sources of weather information.
Sources include published broadcasts, own ship VHF 16 MSI, NP 100 NAVTEX, sailing directions, local forecast, routeing charts, SafetyNET, Inmarsat, ocean passages of the world, ALRS vol 3, and the internet.
How would you ensure the reliability of the ECDIS before the passage?
Check the S52 presentation library, safety contour and depths, guard zone, alarms, and inputs (GPS, gyro, log). CATZOCs
What does CATZOC show you?
CATZOC shows the quality of survey data, bottom quality and anomalies, and quality of depth data.
How would you set the Bridge up for departure?
Perform steering checks, watertight integrity checks, passage plan checks, compass checks, radar checks, bridge equipment checks, and LSA items checks.
What is the first step in setting up a Radar?
Check that the scanner is free to rotate.
What is the difference between X and S band?
‘X’ Band (3 cm, 9 GHz) has better definition but shorter range, while ‘S’ Band (10 cm, 3 GHz) has bad definition but longer range.
What is X Band good for?
Better definition
Shorter range
X Band is good for collision avoidance and pilotage
not good for detecting targets in rain.
What is S Band good for?
S Band is good for detecting targets at long range and through rain.
Which Radar picks up a SART and how does it appear on screen?
SART – Search and Rescue Transponder. Appears as a series of 12 dots on radar screen, arcs, and 1-mile full circles.
What is a HRU?
HRU (Hydrostatic Release Unit) uses water pressure to activate a spring-loaded blade, cutting through life raft securing straps. Activated at a depth between 1.5 and 4m. Mark the date on the unit once installed (2 year validity).
What is an EPIRB?
EPIRB - Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. Transmits on 406 MHz to a satellite, calculates your position within 3 nm.
What information does an EPIRB transmit?
Coded message has vessel’s identification. Satellite relays the information to a LES, which sends info to a MRCC (maritime rescue co-ordination centre).
How often should an EPIRB be tested?
Tested monthly in test mode and serviced at not more than 5 year intervals.
What are the battery life specifications of an EPIRB?
5 year battery life and 48hrs of battery life in standby.
How do you take over the 0000-0400 watch?
The OOW shall ensure the relieving OOW is fully capable, vision adjusted, and master’s standing orders are understood.
What should the relieving OOW verify when taking over the watch?
Verify position, course & speed, expected navigational hazards, traffic in the vicinity, tides, currents, weather, visibility, compass errors, status of bridge equipment, setup of bridge/engine controls, and manning of engine room.
How do we compensate for bad weather?
Consider re-routing, verify vessel position, update weather report, plot storm position often, engage manual steering, and reduce speed.
What are the WT integrity measures during bad weather?
Hull openings closed, WT doors closed, hawse/spurling pipe covers, vent pipes covered, and storm shutters on.
What are the vessel security measures during bad weather?
Extra lashings and stowage, reduce free surface to minimum, increase stability (GM), and check emergency communications.
What crew safety measures should be taken during bad weather?
Restricted access to decks, safety harnesses, check life rafts, modify watch routine, ensure crew is rested, and warn galley to prepare meals.
How do you know if the gyro fails and what are your actions?
Radar switches to head-up, alarm sounds. Engage hand steering, reduce speed, use 2nd gyro if available, inform master & engineers, increase bridge manning, and use magnetic compass to navigate.
What actions should be taken if a mooring line falls overboard during heavy weather?
Hand steering, engines in neutral, call the master, assess conditions, and send a securite message to alert vessels and coastal authorities.
What initial actions should be taken for a MOB situation?
Throw a life-ring, sound alarm ‘Oscar’ (3 prolonged blasts), activate MOB button, commence recovery manoeuvre, and inform master & engine room.
What should be done when reacting to a TRS in the Northern Hemisphere?
Put the wind on the standard bow and alter course to starboard as the wind veers.
What should be done when reacting to a TRS in the Southern Hemisphere?
Put the wind on the port bow and alter course to port as the wind backs.
What references and role does the OSC have when a casualty is lost?
OSC – On Command Ship. References include IAMSAR III and Ships SMS.
What are the steps to take upon receipt of a distress message on VHF in Area A1?
Listen to Ch 16 for communications, defer for a short time to allow a coast station to answer, acknowledge by voice, and gather information.
What is a sector search?
Position of the search object is accurately known & small area. Used to search a circular area around a datum point.
What should be done if there is a fire in the engine room?
FIRE - Find, Inform, Restrict, Extinguish or Escape. FIND the fire, INFORM the master and crew, RESTRICT the fire’s spread, and EXTINGUISH if safe.
What is the first step in steering gear failure?
Check all steering modes.
What should be done after checking steering modes during steering gear failure?
Check both steering pumps.
What should be done if there is a steering gear failure?
Call Master & ECR.
What is the action to take if it is safe during steering gear failure?
Take way off ship.
What should be engaged during steering gear failure?
Engage emergency steering.
What should be displayed during steering gear failure?
Light & shapes (NUC).
What message should be broadcasted during steering gear failure?
Broadcast Urgency message.
What should be updated during steering gear failure?
Update AIS.
Who should be informed during steering gear failure?
Inform VTS or port authority.
What is the responsibility of the officer of the navigational watch?
Keep the watch on the bridge.
What should the officer of the navigational watch do before leaving the bridge?
Don’t leave the bridge until properly relieved.
What should the officer do if in doubt about navigation?
Call the Master.
What should be ensured during watchkeeping?
There are no distractions.
What should be available during watchkeeping?
A qualified helmsman.
What should be done in high traffic or hazardous situations?
Engage hand steering, use radar.
What should be kept as a record during watchkeeping?
Position, course, speed.
What should be displayed on the ECDIS during preparations for sea?
Route displayed on ECDIS.
What should be checked before sailing?
All crew onboard.
What should be secured before sailing?
Cargo secure.
What should be confirmed before pilot boarding?
Pilot boarding time confirmed.
What should be agreed upon before berthing?
Berthing & anchoring arrangements.
What should be displayed on vessels over 12m?
Display Placards - notify crew of the discharge requirements.
What should vessels over 400gt have?
A Garbage Record Book.
What should be done with cooking oil?
No cooking oil to go overboard or in the bilge.
What should be checked for navigation in coastal waters?
Appropriate scale charts.
What should be monitored during navigation?
Traffic monitored.
What is the effect of squat?
Negative pressure and suction effect.
What happens during the passage of a low pressure?
Wind backs, pressure falls, temperature rises slowly.
What should be checked before departure regarding the magnetic compass?
Freedom of movement of the gimbal.
How do we check a compass for errors?
Transit (two fixed objects in line).
What should be done to find the compass error by transit?
Take the gyro bearing of the objects in transit.
What should be checked to see if charts are up to date?
Look up current Cumulative List.
What should be entered into the ECDIS for safe water?
Safety Depth & Safety Contours.
What is the definition of Under Keel Clearance (UKC)?
Captain’s preferences and reliability of charted depth data.
What should be recorded in the log-book for weekly tests?
Watertight doors.
What should be included in monthly tests?
Full crew drill (fire & abandon ship).
What are the quarterly tests and drills recorded in the log-book?
Emergency steering gear, SOPEP drill, Life boats launched and driven (full check)
What are the 6 months tests and drills recorded in the log-book?
ISPS drill
What are the annual tests and drills recorded in the log-book?
SSAS test, Service lifejackets, fire extinguishers, life rafts, BA sets, Service on-load release gear, Dynamic brake test for life boats
What are the two modes of autopilot?
Track Control System and Heading Control System
What does the Track Control System do?
Keeps the vessel on a pre-determined track using satellite navigation system
What does the Heading Control System do?
Sets required course and compares ‘set course’ with gyro heading
What must you be able to do within 30 seconds?
Switch to hand steering in areas of high density, restricted visibility, or when ship manoeuvring is critical
What is required to switch to hand steering?
Must be a qualified helms person
How often should the autopilot be tested manually?
At least once per watch
What is the follow-up mode in manual steering?
The rudder is normally at the amidships position and follows the wheel movement
What is the non-follow-up mode in manual steering?
Operated by a control lever separate from the ship’s wheel, allowing the rudder to stay at a set angle
What is emergency steering?
A means of steering independent from the main steering
What is AIS?
An onboard transponder system that continuously transmits a vessel’s identity, position, heading, status, etc.
What are the objectives of AIS?
Enhance safety of life at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation, security for vessels and port facilities, protection of the marine environment
What are the critical checks for an ECDIS?
Generic & Type Specific Training, alarms setup correctly, safety depth & contours, ships information inputted correctly, charts up to date, ECDIS is up to date, not over reliance on ECDIS
What causes a vessel to return to the upright position?
Buoyancy acts upward while weight acts downward, producing a righting moment
What is the free surface effect?
The movement of the centre of gravity in the liquid, reducing the righting moment and stability
What is gross tonnage?
Vessel’s internal volume
What is net tonnage?
Earning capacity of the vessel after deducting non-freight spaces from gross tonnage
What is reserve buoyancy?
The volume of a ship above the water line that is watertight
What is Fresh Water Allowance (FWA)?
Allows the change of draught when the vessel moves from FW to SW due to density differences
What markings are required on a life raft?
Makers name or trade mark, serial number, date of manufacture, name of approving authority, name and place of servicing station
What is the length of the painter line on a life raft?
Twice the length from stowage position to sea surface
What should be done in restricted visibility according to MGN 369?
Comply with COLREGs, slow down, inform the Master, engage hand steering, close watertight doors, use RADAR, post look-outs
What are the critical items for preparation for getting underway (SERCLIP)?
Steering checked, bridge equipment checked, radar checked, compass checks, watertight integrity, LSA items checked, passage plan checked
What is a tidal diamond?
Info on set & rate, used to determine tidal conditions at specific times
What happens during conjunction and opposition of the Sun and Moon?
Causes very high tides (spring tides) at conjunction and very low tides at opposition
What is GPS accuracy check?
Check HDOP value, location of satellites, datum WGS 84, and RADAR overlay on ECDIS
What to do in the event of main engine failure?
Call Master & ECR, assess chart, manoeuvre away from danger, prepare for anchoring, broadcast urgency message, inform VTS
What to do in the event of steering gear failure?
Check all steering modes, call Master & ECR, engage emergency steering, broadcast urgency message, inform VTS
What are the initial actions following a collision?
Stop main engines, sound general alarm, call Master, close watertight & fire doors, assess & control damage, broadcast urgency or distress message
Initial Action following: Grounding
- Stop main engines
- Sound general alarm
- Call Master
- Close watertight & fire doors
- Start bilge & fire pumps
- Full Muster
- Assess & control damage
- Broadcast Urgency or Distress message
- Consider use of anchor
- Check for pollution, Initiate SOPEP if required
- Lights, shapes, sounds (aground)
- Sound around ship
- Fix position
- Nature of seabed
- Tides & currents
- Inform VTS or port authority
- Preserve VDR & ECDIS recordings
- Maintain a log of all events
- Ballast, re-float, salvage?
Initial action following: Abandon ship
- Broadcast DISTRESS message
- Verbal command by captain on PA to abandon ship
- Full muster
- Everyone to don life jackets & Immersions suits if needed
- Prep life rafts for launching
- Collect EPIRB, SART, SOLAS Radios, grab bag, food, water, etc.
- Ensure no one has sharp objects on them
- Launch & enter life rafts
- Commence CLOSE, CUT, STREAM, MAINTAIN
- Activate EPIRB immediately & SART (when appropriate)
Initial action following: Flooding
- Sound general alarm
- Call Master
- Close watertight & fire doors
- Start bilge pumps
- Full Muster
- Assess & control damage
- Flood in:
• Engine room – C1
• Steering gear compartment – C2
• Generator room – C3 - Broadcast Urgency or Distress message, if appropriate
- Inform VTS or port authority
- Maintain a log of all events
Equipment carried under GMDSS depends on area of operation and system in use.
Area A1: Within coverage of at least one VHF coastal radio station.
Area A2: Excludes Area A1, within coverage of a shore-based MF coastal radio station.
Area A3: Excludes Areas A1 and A2, within coverage of an INMARSAT geostationary satellite.
Area A4: Excludes Areas A1, A2 and A3, covers the remaining sea areas of the world.
Testing of GMDSS equipment - Daily
- DSC facilities - Built-in test function
- Batteries (voltmeter) – recharge if needed
- Printers – adequate paper, cartridges (NAVTEX)
- Radio log signed by master
Testing of GMDSS equipment - Weekly
- SOLAS VHF’s - not tested on CH 16
- Reserve power supply - if not a battery (e.g. Generator) then test it
Testing of GMDSS equipment - Monthly
- EPIRB – built-in test function, examined for damage
- SART – test against radar, examined for damage
- Batteries – condition checked, compartment clean
- Antennas – check for damage
- Test call - preferably to a CRS using MF/HF DSC facilities
Receipt of a Distress Message, VHF in Mid-Atlantic A3
- Listen to Ch 16 for coms.
- Call master
- Immediately acknowledge by voice (VHF Ch 16)
- Gather information:
- Position
- Identity
- Number of persons
- Nature of distress
- Assistance required
- Consider Mayday relay by any means
- Proceed at best speed to casualty
- Establish coms with CRS and other vessels
- X band for SART
- Additional look outs
- Prep rescue boat & medical station
- Record in GMDSS logbook
Receipt of a Distress Message, VHF in Area A1
- Listen to Ch 16 for coms.
- Call master
- Record in GMDSS logbook
- Defer for a short time to allow a CRS to answer
- Acknowledge by voice (VHF Ch 16)
- Gather information:
- Position
- Identity
- Number of persons
- Nature of distress
- Assistance required
- Consider Mayday relay by any means
- Proceed at best speed to casualty
- Establish coms. with CRS and other vessels
- X band for SART
- Additional look outs
- Prep rescue boat & medical station
Receipt of a Distress Message, MF in Mid Atlantic A3
- Listen to MF Ch 2182 for coms.
- Call master
- Immediately acknowledge by voice (MF Ch 2182)
- Gather information:
- Position
- Identity
- Number of persons
- Nature of distress
- Assistance required
- Consider Mayday relay by any means
- Proceed at best speed to casualty
- Establish coms with CRS and other vessels
- X band for SART
- Additional look outs
- Prep rescue boat & medical station
- Record in GMDSS logbook
Receipt of a Distress Message, MF in A2
- Listen to MF Ch 2182 for coms.
- Call master
- Record in GMDSS logbook
- Defer for a short time to allow a CRS to answer
- Acknowledge by voice (MF Ch 2182)
- Gather information:
- Position
- Identity
- Number of persons
- Nature of distress
- Assistance required
- Consider Mayday relay by any means
- Proceed at best speed to casualty
- Establish coms. with CRS and other vessels
- X band for SART
- Additional look outs
- Prep rescue boat & medical station
Receipt of a Distress Message, HF in Any Areas
- If no shore acknowledgement, relay to ashore by any means.
How do we compensate for bad weather?
Navigation and Bad Weather:
1. Consider re-routing
2. Verify the vessel position
3. Update weather report
4. Plot storm position often
5. Engage manual steering
6. Reduce speed
7. Check integrity of all equipment
8. Cross reference
9. Update compass errors
10. Test all GMDSS equipment
WT Integrity
- Hull openings closed
- WT doors closed
- Hawse/Spurling pipe covers
- Vent pipes covered
- Storm shutters on
Vessel Security
- Extra lashings and stowage
- Reduce free surface to minimum
- Increase stability (GM) (free surface, tanks, weight, free ports)
- Check emergency comms.
Crew Safety
- Restricted access to decks
- Safety harnesses
- Check life rafts
- Modify Watch routine
- Crew rested
- Warn galley – prepare meals
COSWOP – MCA
- Regulatory framework for health and safety on board ships and overall responsibilities
- Endorsed by the National Maritime Occupational Health and Safety Committee
- Intended primarily for merchant seafarers on UK-registered ships
- Not mandatory for pleasure vessels
- Addressed to everyone on a ship regardless of rank
- Updated via The Stationary Office (TSO)
Appointment of Safety Officers
- Every ship with more than 5 crew
- Company appoints a safety officer
- Must have Safety Officer’s training course.
- Master records it in the official logbook
Safety Officer General Duties
- Provide assistance in meeting health and safety requirements onboard.
- Familiar with principles of a risk assessment
- Advise those preparing and reviewing risk assessments.
- Lookout for any potential hazards.
- Develop a high level of safety consciousness on-board
- Crew should seek their advice on safe working procedures.
- Suggest improvements where unsafe practices are observed
- Use the safety committee to discuss unsafe practices
- New crew should have a safety induction
- New crew should work with a seafarer who is safety conscious.
- Remind experienced crew joining to set a good example to less experienced crew
Safety Inspections (Safety Officer Duties)
- Health and safety inspections are carried out at least once every 3 months
- Or more if there have been substantial changes in the conditions of work.
Election of Safety Representatives
- Every ship with more than 5 crew
- Company appoints a safety representative
- Must have more than 2 years of consecutive sea service
Powers of Safety Representatives
- Put forward their recommendations
- Be informed of any corrective actions taken
- Be sure of the facts
- Be aware of the legal position
- Be conscious of what is reasonable
- Inform the safety officer or master if their efforts are being obstructed
Appointment of a Safety Committee
- Every ship with more than 5 crew
- Company appoints a safety committee
- The committee must be chaired by the Master
- Members - safety officer, safety representatives, any competent persons
Safety Induction
In addition to their STCW courses, they should be able to:
1. Understand safety symbols, signs and alarm signals
2. Know their duties for:
- Fire
- Abandon ship
- MOB
3. Identify:
- Muster and embarkation stations
- Emergency escape routes
- Locate and don lifejackets
4. Raise the alarm
5. Use a fire extinguisher
6. Close and open the fire, weathertight and watertight doors
The main elements of the risk assessment process are:
- Identify hazards
- Determine level of risk
- Consider who is in danger
- Evaluate if hazards are controlled
- Take into account measures in place
- Record findings
- Implement control measures
- Review & update
The main elements of the permit to work
- Location & nature of the work
- Results of any preliminary tests
- Safeguards in place
- Period of validity (shouldn’t exceed 24 hours)
- Time limits applicable to the work
- Only the work specified on the permit should be undertaken.
- Before signing, officer should verify control measures
- Authorising officer retains responsibility until:
- Cancelled the permit
- Transferred it to another officer
Key Points
- Based on the results of the risk assessment
- Control measures should be put in place
- “Permits to work” are control measures for particular operations
- Consists of predefined safety procedure
- Validity no more than 24 hours
- Signed by authorising officer and worker
- Should not be the same person
General knowledge sufficient o2 level for life?
- Potentially dangerous enclosed space should be tested before entry.
- Sufficient oxygen to support life (21%).
- Don’t enter if less than 21% oxygen
- Statutory requirement to carry oxygen meter applies to:
- Each ship on which it may be necessary to enter into a dangerous space.
- Includes vessels under 24m.
- MCA advises all ships which have enclosed spaces that are likely to need to enter, should carry an oxygen meter on board at all times.
- Any testing equipment must be fit for purpose, calibrated and in date.
- Meters capable of detecting flammable and toxic gases be made available
- Wearing a personal gas meters is advised
Working at height
If there is a risk of falling and injuring yourself it’s regarded as working at height.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB)
- Investigates marine accidents involving UK vessels worldwide
- And all vessels in UK waters
- Accident reporting helps prevent similar accidents to occur in the future.
- The MAIB is not a prosecuting body.
- Accidents must be reported by the quickest means available
- The Master or senior surviving officer must send a report to the Chief Inspector ASAP
- See Annex C for reporting procedures.
COSPWOP Amendment 6 – Nov 2021 – MIN 672
- Chapter 3 – Living onboard (mobile phones, electronic devices)
- Chapter 26 – Anchoring & mooring (self-mooring ops)
Tidal Definitions
- Chart Datum – Figure used on a chart – Set below low-tide level. Admiralty standard is to use LAT.
- Tide heights – measured above chart datum | Depths – measured below chart datum (CD)
- Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) – Lowest tide level that can be predicted to occur under any combination of astronomical conditions.
- Actual Depth (AD) – Surface of water to seabed or obstruction. AD = CD + HOT
- Under Keel Clearance (UKC) – depth of water between vessels bottom & seabed.
- Draught – Surface of water to vessels bottom.
- Height of Tide (HOT) – level above chart datum, height of tides constantly changing.
- Drying Height – Height of an object/rock above chart datum.
- MHWS – Mean High Water Springs – Heights of lighthouses/bridges & other land features are measured above this level.
