The majority of accidents on board ship can be avoided by following correct procedures and using appropriate tools, equipment and clothing. Before you start work, think about how to keep yourself and everyone around you safe.

There are a number of excellent external guides about working safely, one of which is the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWAP). Every ship is provided with one of these, and everyone should be familiar with its guidance.

Crew members will be advised of the dangerous nature and possible hazards of any work to be carried out. They will also be instructed as to any necessary precautions to be taken including the use of protective clothing and equipment. Always follow these instructions!

There may be times when deck crew will have to help in the engine room, or engine crew have to help on deck. The different working environment can mean that the personnel involved may not be familiar with the tasks or the risks involved. It is therefore essential that in these cases a briefing and risk assessment are carried out by a senior officer beforehand to make sure everyone is familiar with what is needed and that they know the risks and precautions.

Keeping everyone safe is our first priority, and it also needs to be yours. 

The following are general practices that if followed can reduce the risk of harm to those onboard the ship. In addition, these practices serve to give the best possible impression of the working of the ship to visitors, inspectors, auditors or management.

The ship must be kept clean and tidy at all times.

Improperly stores spares or stores can move in bad weather and cause damage or hurt people. Oil spills can be a fire hazard. In an emergency, if spare parts aren't properly stowed and inventoried, you may not be able to find what you need quickly.

The ship is your home and your workspace, treat it with the same care you would ashore.

The following simple rules regarding housekeeping will reduce the risk of accidents onboard and ensure that the ship working environment remains clean and healthy:

• Keep all areas clean, dry and free of rubbish, slipping and tripping hazards
• Stow materials, spares and other supplies securely and correctly
• Ensure that electrical items are properly connected and no unauthorised equipment is in use
• Keep tools, fittings and equipment in good order. After a job is finished put the tools back in their correct place
• Look out for and remove any fire hazards
• Ensure lighting is sufficient
• Secure all moveable items
• Ensure escape routes and emergency exits are not obstructed
• Ensure that the access lids (e.g. manholes) and walkway areas that have been removed for maintenance or repair are fenced off to avoid danger of falling.
• Ensure that there are no leaking pipes or fittings
• Keep paint and other flammable materials stowed correctly
• Dispose oil soaked rags and other flammable materials in fire proof receptacles

If you see something out of place, put it away properly.

If you see something dirty, tidy it up.

If you aren't sure, ask the Master or the Chief Engineer.

Tools are designed for a specific purpose and under no circumstances is a tool to be used for a job for which it is not designed. Moreover, all personnel using tools must be trained in their correct use.

Prior to use, tools are to be inspected for defects prior to use and if there is any doubt as to their condition or operation they must not be used.

Where tools are fitted with safety guards or other protection devices, these must be in place and operational before at all times. If these devices are not in place, then the tool is not to be used and the defect must be reported for immediate rectification.

Appropriate safety clothing and equipment is to be used and in particular proper eye protection is to be worn.

When planning to use tools or equipment, the following points are to be considered:

• Identify the correct tool for the job
• Identify personal protective equipment required by the user and personnel nearby
• Identify any Permits-to-Work required (especially hot-work)
• Do not use damaged or badly worn tools
• Ensure safety guards are in place
• When finished, stow tools correctly in a tool rack or suitable box 

It is essential that all personnel who use oxygen/acetylene cutting equipment and/or electric arc welding equipment are fully aware of the potential risks and hazards. The UK Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers provides details on the safety precautions to be taken when using this equipment. Staff involved in the use of this equipment, are to be familiar with the relevant parts of the code.

A hot work permit must be obtained prior to use of this equipment outside the engine-room workshop. Particular attention is to be paid to monitoring spaces adjacent to the work area for spread of fire.
Local Port procedures and regulations must be followed, and permission obtained if welding/cutting is planned to take place when in port.

Safety warning signs and instructions are to be posted adjacent to all equipment. Appropriate PPE must be used at all times.

All equipment must be inspected for defects prior to use and must not be used if there is any doubt as to its satisfactory condition. Hoses, regulators and cables are to be subject to close inspection and must be designed for the purpose and be properly connected.