SPECIFIC VESSEL TYPESSPECIFIC VESSEL TYPES

SPECIFIC VESSEL TYPES

GENERAL PROVISIONS

The appropriate national and international requirements should be observed.

In all operations, maintaining a high level of safety should be the first priority. The operations and the hazards should be thoroughly explained to seafarers carrying out their respective tasks and the safety precautions for each task should be fully understood. In particular:

1. where there is a high risk from fire and explosion rules restricting smoking and the carriage of matches and cigarette lighters must be observed. Smoking should not be permitted on board except in places and at times in accordance with the shipowner's smoking policy or, if there is no specific smoking policy set down, as permitted by the master;

2. a warning of the risks present, not only from smoking and naked . flames, but also to the risks in an explosive atmosphere from the use of unsuitable electrical equipment or arising from a discharge of static electricity.

3. spillages and leaks of hazardous substances, such as petroleum and some mineral oils, should be attended to immediately. The shipowner should provide seafarers with information and personal protective equipment for the safe handling of such spillages;

4. oil soaked rags and other materials present a fire hazard and may spontaneously ignite. They must be disposed of in compliance with MARPOL. Other combustible rubbish should not be allowed to accumulate;

5. cargo handling equipment, testing instruments, automatic and other alarm systems should be well maintained;

(f) work which could cause sparking or which involves the use of heat should not be undertaken unless authorised, after the work area has been tested and found gas free, or otherwise declared safe. Similar caution is required where there is a possibility of the formation of explosive dusts, such as sugar, grains or sulphur;

1. where work in an enclosed space is necessary, the guidance in chapter I 0 should be strictly followed;

2. "permit to work" procedures should be adopted unless the work presents no hazard (see chapter 4);

3. appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn.

Shipowners should ensure seafarers on first joining the ship receive appropriate training and instruction relevant to the operations they will perform on the ship. Training in emergency procedures and the use of any special emergency equipment should be undertaken at regular intervals. This should include medical first aid measures, in the event of accidental contact with harmful substances and inhalation of dangerous gases or fumes.