You Are Joining a Ship

Question 1

You are joining a ship for the 1st time as a 3rd officer, what would you expect from this process?

Answer 1

On arrival I would expect to see that the ship has a safe means of access in accordance with Chapter 22 of the Code of Safe Working Practices and the Merchant Shipping health and safety regulations 1997. Either a gangway or accommodation ladder should be securely rigged .

IF GANGWAY I WOULD EXPECT TO SEE:

Carried by ships of more than 30 metres in length.
The maximum angle from the horizontal should not exceed 30 degrees.
Should be marked with the manufacturer’s name, model, maximum angle.
Stanchions should be secured and handrails fitted.
A safety net.
The area of embarkation/disembarkation should be safe and clear, should not be placed where cargo operations may pass overhead, clear of slips and trips.
Adequate lighting should be provided at access points and walkways.
A gangway watchman.
A lifebuoy with a self igniting light and buoyant lifeline.
There should not be any gaps between the ship’s railing and the gangway.
Gangway should not be fitted to ships railing unless specifically designed to do so.
Gangways/Accommodation ladders should be inspected for any damage, cracks, corrosion as per SOLAS chapter 3 and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

Question 2

What would you be expected to present to the Master upon joining the new vessel?

Answer 2

I would present the Master with my:
Seafarers Employment Agreement
ENG1 
CoC/GoC
Necessary STCW documents

Question 3

What would you expect to undertake once onboard?

Answer 3

FOLLOWING THIS A FAMILIARISATION INCLUDING:
Identify the ship’s safety officer and security officer.
Safety tour of vessel including all means of access and escape routes.
Location of muster lists/stations and understanding duties as per list.
Location of ships plans.
Location of all LSA, FFA, SOPEP equipment.
Location of the weathertight and watertight openings.
How to access the safety management system and use it correctly.
Read and understand the companies health, safety, security and environmental policy.
Location and knowledge of the contents of the SOLAS training manual.

Question 4

Who would you expect to conduct your familiarisation tour?

Answer 4

Chief officer