Falling into the Water

January 2016

Notes for Guidance

What the Engagement Pack includes

Who is to be Engaged?

For the use of vessel crews and all those who are involved in
marine operations.

Key points the supervisor should cover in their discussion

Questions the supervisor can ask the group
Risk Level icons to allow the supervisor to label risk situations

Where?
Purpose of the Engagement Pack
To help supervisors provide their staff with a platform to have a
meaningful safety discussion and encourage sharing of
experiences and discussions around their learning outcomes.

Engagement should be carried out in a quiet room/area where they

will not be disturbed. The vessels office, mess room, or quiet area
in a workshop would be suitable.

When to hold the Engagement

Using the Engagement Pack
This pack has been designed for use by a supervisor in front of a
group of no more than 10 people. The pack should be placed on a
table with the pictures facing the group and the notes facing the
supervisor. Use practical demonstration where possible. The notes
are memory joggers to highlight key points but should not be read
word for word.

Preparing for an Engagement Session

Before beginning the session the supervisor should familiarise
themselves with the content and its purpose. Make sure there is
enough space and time for the staff to interact with each other.

Falling into the Water January 2016

Choose a time that is suitable for all staff. This should be when
they are alert and most likely to contribute to the discussion. This
will help in absorbing and retaining the information for much
longer.
This Engagement Pack IS NOT to be used for skills
training or a task requiring a licensed operator. This IS
NOT a tool box talk. This is an opportunity for staff on
board to talk about safety without feeling rushed to
commence their work. The rate of learning is more
important than completing the pack so allow two or more
sessions if necessary.

Health, Safety, Security and Environment

Boarding/Disembarkation

Falling into the Water January 2016

Health, Safety, Security and Environment

Boarding/Disembarkation
The main issues:

Lack of safe access between vessels, vessel and shore, and vessel and
offshore installation

Boarding/disembarking occurring without notifying vessel staff or facility

staff

Gangways, ladders, and other means of access not secured and

constructed in accordance with industry requirements

Processes:
Always

Wait until all parties have been notified before commencing personnel
transfers

Inspect all elements for defects prior to use, including hand rails, surfaces,
and general condition

Maintain 3 points of contact

Key message: The process of

boarding/disembarking needs to be planned,
managed, and supervised
Discussion points:
1. How do you ensure that you will have safe access prior to
boarding/disembarking?
2. What should you do if you see or suspect access equipment is
hazardous?

Ensure

Personnel are notified when individuals are present or about to board

Gangways (fixed and portable) are properly rigged and secured

Fixed gangways are raised to a safe height when not in use

All equipment is properly maintained, correctly stowed, and removed or

identified when they become defective

Falling into the Water January 2016

Health, Safety, Security and Environment

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Falling
Hazard

Slipping
Hazard
Tripping
Hazard

Falling into the Water January 2016

Health, Safety, Security and Environment

Slips, Trips, and Falls

The main issues:
Slips, trips, and falls have potential for Man Over Board (MOB)

Boarding/disembarking

Transiting from one location to another while on board

Working on outboard edges, and outside the railing

Lack of situational awareness i.e. unidentified edges and objects, and

slippery decks, walkways, handrails, and ladders/stairs

Processes:

Key message: Be mindful of potential hazards

in your surroundings
Discussion points:
1. What controls do you have in place in preventing yourself and
others from slips, trips, and falls?
2. Have you had any near misses? Share with your team.

Always

Take extra precaution to manage and supervise deck movements when on

vessels without deck railings/ or when working outside the railing

Maintain housekeeping to reduce risk of slips, trips, and falls on

improperly stowed equipment

Maintain 3 points of contact when walking up and down stairs

Ensure
Bright paint is used to identify edges and objects
Working area is free of obstructions and footing is solid
Guard rails are adequate and temporary guard rails are in place where
required
Ladder rungs and decks are properly non-skidded

Falling into the Water January 2016

Health, Safety, Security and Environment

Weather/Illumination

Falling into the Water January 2016

Health, Safety, Security and Environment

Weather/Illumination
The main issues:

Unexpected changes in weather conditions

Changing sea conditions insufficiently evaluated when

boarding/disembarking offshore

Dangerous operating environments such as:

Freezing water temperature, strong and/or high water currents

Processes:
Always

Use a flashlight during hours of limited visibility illuminate the deck area
rather than step into a shadow

Stop operation when weather conditions make the continuation of a task

dangerous

Discuss all known hazards with the off-going watch

Key message: Re-assess work tasks when

weather conditions change
Discussion points:
1. What action do you need to take when there is a sudden change
in weather conditions?
2. How do you ensure illumination is sufficient and in proper working
order?

Ensure

A safe position is determined before offshore boarding for the personnel to

wait at until a smooth transfer can take place, and the boat moves away
from the vessel side once the personnel has made the transfer

Outside deck lights (no burnt- out bulbs) are in good condition and
flashlights have good batteries

Personnel are aware of possible slippery conditions - alert others

Ice and built up snow is removed during such conditions

Falling into the Water January 2016

Health, Safety, Security and Environment

Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)

Falling into the Water January 2016

Health, Safety, Security and Environment

Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)

The main issues:

Improper or non-use of personal flotation devices (PFDs)

Insufficient availability of PFDs

Lack of compliance with regulatory requirements and industry guidance

Processes:
Always

Use the PFD with the best protection for the task - Inspect before use

Make sure you have your PFD with you when on a vessel and the general
alarm is sounded (including during an emergency or drill)

Key message: Always use a PFD in

accordance with regulations
Discussion points:
1. When are you required to wear a PFD?
2. How do you decide which type of PFD is to be used?
3. What should you look for when inspecting your PFD before use?

Ensure
A robust inspection regime is in place for all PFDs in the case of inflatable life
jackets:
Ensure indicators are all on green and there is no visible damage, air
cushions are tested, all parts are verified in good condition
PFD is suitable for the task and persons weight including PPE they might be
wearing
PFD is the correct size, and fitted and secured correctly
Life buoys and MOB markers are kept immediately available for emergencies

Falling into the Water January 2016

Health, Safety, Security and Environment

Family

Remember
YOUR FAMILY NEEDS YOU

Falling into the Water January 2016

Health, Safety, Security and Environment

Family
Notes:

Get people to think about their families

Also think about their circle of friends and close extended
families as not everyone might have immediate family

Key message: We all want to get home safely

Discussion points:
1. Why are we important to our family and friends?
2. How can we set good examples of safety for our colleagues so
that we can all go back safely to our families?

Falling into the Water January 2016

Health, Safety, Security and Environment