Safe Means of Access

Question 1

Basic requirements for Safe Means of Access

Answer 1

The master is responsible, even when it is provided from shoreside

Should be in place promptly on arrival and be in place until departure

Should be illuminated

Equipment and safety nets should be in good construction and of sound material

A life buoy with self activating light/line attached to a quoit should be ready for use

Question 2

Gangways

Answer 2

Every ship of 30m or more shall carry a gangway

Not be more of an angle from 30 degrees from horizontal

Question 3

Accomodation ladders

Answer 3

Ships of more than 120 passengers

Angle of the ladder should not be more than 55 degrees (COSWP, 2018, Annex 22)

Question 4

Portable Rope Ladders

Answer 4

Only as a last resort

Only between ship and boat

Question 5

Safety nets

Answer 5

Adequate number of safety nets to be on board the ship

Question 6

Who’s duty is it to maintain these safe means of access?

Answer 6

Workers must work together with management and the company to ensure safe means of access is maintained

Workers must use the safe means of access provided

Question 7

Safe means of access must be:

Answer 7

Adequately lit

Clear of hazards

Security level posted

Fire plan and
International shore connection

Stauntions and nets in place

Signage for unauthorised entry

Monitored for tide changes

SWL stamped

Manning and monitoring

Lifebuoy with light and line

Question 8

Safe movement on board ship:

Answer 8

No running

Handrails in working order

Slip and trip hazards cleared

Open hatches properly signposted with cones and red tape etc

Weathertight doors closed when passed through

Radio calls when moving around areas of the vessel

Adequately lit

Signage of dangerous areas

Non-slip paint

Heavy weather procedure in place

Entry into enclosed space procedure