Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers, 2015 Ed.

This 'Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers' provides guidance on improving health and safety on board vessels and articulates how statutory obligations should be fulfilled. It is intended primarily for merchant seafarers on United Kingdom registered vessels. The 2015 edition includes more human behavioural elements throughout.

There is new content in the 2015 edition covering:

A new chapter outlining the importance of a good safety culture, including revised guidance on risk assessment.
New content on fatigue.
Revised chapter on entry into dangerous spaces, reflecting new SOLAS requirements, IMO Resolution A.27/Res.1050 and other best practice.
A new chapter on ergonomics.

It is a statutory requirement for the current edition of the Code to be carried on board all UK ships other than fishing vessels and pleasure craft. The Code contains essential health and safety information and it must be made available to any seafarer on board the ship who requests it.

The Code details the regulatory framework for health and safety on board ship, safety management and statutory duties underlying the advice in the Code and the areas that should be covered when introducing a new recruit to the safety procedures on board.

This Consolidated Edition 2015 supersedes the 'Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen Consolidated Edition 2011'.

Key features

Increased emphasis on practical guidance, rather than legislation.
A simplified format, removing the sections, and now in A4 size, loose-leaf binder.
A simplified chapter on permits to work, with fewer examples.
Strengthened guidance on use of weighted heaving lines in mooring operations.
Revised guidance on snap-back zones in mooring operations, following recommendations from the Swedish Accident Investigation Authority on the MORRABORG.
Revised guidance for ships serving offshore oil and gad installations.