2.8.5.4 OVERSIDE AND UNDERWATER WORK – DIVER’S
WORK
A. Overside work
Overside work should only be carried out
based on a permit-to-work procedure
subject to a special procedure contained in the Company’s SMS
whilst the vessel is in port or at anchor
supervised by a competent person on board.
The persons working overside should
always wear a safety harness
be firmly connected to fixed vessel appliances on deck
have access to a lifebuoy with a line ready for use.
Communication with a responsible officer must be maintained to enable the man-overboard
exercise to be put into action should the person working outboard fall into
the water.
If overside works have to be undertaken whilst the vessel is underway, such
works should be carried out in accordance with the Critical Shipboard Operation
Procedure in the SMS.
Utmost care and attention is required during such operations and should only
be permitted
in exceptional cases
where the safety of the vessel, the crew or the cargo is at risk.
B. Underwater work – diver’s work
Outboard underwater work by divers is highly dangerous and there have been fatal
accidents involving divers. The following precautions need to be taken
underwater work should be subject to a
permit-to-work procedure
subject to a special procedure in the Company’s SMS
only professional divers should be contracted
underwater work must be carefully planned involving all officers on
deck and in the engine rooms
propellers and thrusters must be turned off
protection shields must be in place
warning signs must to be displayed outboard, on control levers for propeller
and thrusters, the central electrical switchboard in the engine room and other
prominent places
communication needs to be established between the divers and the attending
officer.