Hotel Service Unit 1 Q1

The Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP) is a crucial document in the maritime industry that outlines guidelines and procedures designed to ensure the safety and well-being of seafarers working onboard merchant vessels. It covers a broad range of topics, including:

• Safety management: The regulatory framework and best practice guidance for health and safety on board ships.
• Risk assessment and mitigation: Identifying and evaluating risks associated with various tasks and operations, and implementing appropriate measures to control and reduce those risks.
• Emergency preparedness: Procedures for responding to emergencies such as fires, collisions, and man-overboard situations.
• Safe working practices: Specific instructions for carrying out tasks safely, such as working at height, handling heavy machinery, and entering enclosed spaces.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): The appropriate use and maintenance of PPE to minimize exposure to hazards.

The COSWP is a legal requirement on all UK-flagged merchant ships, and it’s essential that all seafarers are familiar with its contents and adhere to its guidelines.

Key points to remember about the COSWP:

• It’s a comprehensive guide to safe working practices at sea.
• It covers a wide range of hazards and risks faced by seafarers.
• It provides practical advice on how to minimize those risks and prevent accidents.
• It’s a legal requirement on UK ships, and seafarers must be familiar with it.

The latest 2024 edition of the COSWP has undergone a significant revision:

• Improved structure and language: Makes it easier to read and understand.
• Transition from loose-leaf to bound format: Eliminates the need for manual updates and is more cost-effective.
• Industry involvement: Input from industry stakeholders ensures its relevance and practicality.

If you are studying for a marine engineer exam, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of the COSWP. It will help you understand the safety procedures you need to follow onboard and demonstrate your commitment to safe working practices.

Remember: Safety is paramount in the maritime industry, and adhering to the COSWP is crucial for protecting the lives and well-being of seafarers and ensuring the smooth operation of vessels.

The purpose of a risk assessment in the context of marine engineering and ship operations is to:

Identify and Evaluate Hazards:

• Systematically examine tasks, procedures, and the work environment to uncover potential sources of harm or danger.
• Assess the likelihood of those hazards causing incidents or accidents.
• Determine the potential severity or consequences of such incidents.

Control and Mitigate Risks:

• Implement measures to eliminate hazards where possible.
• Reduce the likelihood of incidents occurring by applying control measures.
• Minimize the impact or severity of incidents should they occur.

Enhance Safety and Prevent Accidents:

• By proactively identifying and addressing hazards, risk assessments contribute significantly to maintaining a safe working environment on board ships.
• This helps protect the lives and well-being of seafarers and passengers, and safeguard the vessel and its cargo.

Comply with Regulations:

• Risk assessments are a legal requirement under various international and national regulations, including the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Health and Safety at Work) Regulations 1997.
• Conducting and documenting risk assessments demonstrates compliance with these regulations.

Improve Operational Efficiency:

• By identifying potential problems in advance, risk assessments help prevent disruptions and delays in ship operations.
• This can lead to improved efficiency and cost savings.

Enable Informed Decision-Making:

• The information gathered through risk assessments allows for informed decision-making about which tasks to prioritize, which control measures to implement, and how to allocate resources effectively.

In summary, risk assessments are a proactive tool used to identify, evaluate, and manage hazards in the maritime industry. They are crucial for ensuring safety, complying with regulations, and promoting efficient ship operations.

The person responsible for carrying out a risk assessment is typically the person in charge of the task or activity being assessed.

This could be:

• The Master or Chief Engineer: For overall ship operations and major engineering tasks.
• Department Heads: For tasks specific to their department, like the Chief Officer for cargo operations or the Second Engineer for engine room maintenance.
• Individual Seafarers: For routine tasks performed as part of their duties, like a deckhand handling mooring lines or an engine room rating taking oil samples.

It’s important to note that:

• The responsibility for conducting risk assessments can be delegated. However, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring risk assessments are conducted properly and effectively lies with the Master and the company operating the vessel.
• The person carrying out the assessment should be competent to do so. They should have a good understanding of the task, the potential hazards involved, and the control measures that can be implemented.

In some cases, external specialists may be brought in to assist with particularly complex or high-risk assessments.

When carrying out a risk assessment, it is crucial to consider several key factors to ensure a thorough and effective evaluation of potential hazards and their associated risks. These factors include:

1. Identify the Task or Activity: Clearly define the specific task or activity being assessed, breaking it down into individual steps if necessary.
2. Identify Hazards: Systematically identify all potential hazards associated with the task, considering factors such as:
   • The work environment (weather conditions, confined spaces, working at height)
   • The equipment and materials used
   • The individuals involved (experience, training, physical capabilities)
3. Assess the Risks: Evaluate the likelihood and severity of each identified hazard causing harm. This involves considering:
   • The frequency of exposure to the hazard
   • The potential consequences of an incident
   • Existing control measures in place
4. Identify Control Measures: Determine and implement appropriate measures to eliminate or reduce the identified risks. These may include:
   • Elimination of the hazard (if possible)
   • Substitution with a less hazardous alternative
   • Engineering controls (e.g., guarding, ventilation)
   • Administrative controls (e.g., procedures, training)
   • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
5. Record the Findings: Document the risk assessment, including the identified hazards, risk evaluations, and control measures. This record serves as evidence of compliance and a reference for future assessments.
6. Review and Revise: Regularly review and revise the risk assessment, particularly when changes occur in the task, equipment, or personnel involved.

Additional Considerations:

• Consultation: Involve relevant personnel, such as workers, supervisors, and safety representatives, in the risk assessment process to gain their insights and ensure their understanding of the risks and control measures.
• Communication: Clearly communicate the findings of the risk assessment to all affected personnel, ensuring they understand the hazards, risks, and control measures.
• Emergency Procedures: Include considerations for emergency situations, such as fire, medical emergencies, or man overboard, in the risk assessment.
• Environmental Impact: Assess potential environmental impacts associated with the task and implement appropriate control measures.

By comprehensively considering these factors, risk assessments can effectively identify, evaluate, and control hazards, promoting a safer and healthier working environment on board ships and contributing to the overall well-being of seafarers.