Gard Guidance to Masters

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Gard Guidance Masters

2.8.6.3 ACCIDENT PREVENTION

The following steps should be taken to reduce the risk of accidents occurring

on and under deck steps must be clearly marked, preferably painted in contrasting colours

handrails must be intact on all stairs and walkways to provide a safe grip

in areas with dimmed lighting, such as bars, there should be sufficient direct lighting to light up stairs and steps

warning signs of an appropriate size and colour should be displayed where required, e.g. “Slippery when wet”

the depths should be clearly shown on the sides of swimming pools

empty swimming pools should be covered with safety nets to prevent unauthorised access and accidental falls

dangerous or radio transmission areas must be fenced off to prevent unauthorised access

intoxicated passengers should not be permitted to consume further amounts of alcohol

wherever possible, personnel should be available to give a helping hand – a simple fall, particularly by an elderly passenger, may cause severe fractures requiring lengthy medical care

platforms on accommodation ladders and ramps used for embarkation, disembarkation and boat transfers should be sufficiently railed and have a non-slip surface

properly trained personnel should be available to assist

lifebuoys should be in place, ready for use

life jackets must be worn by everybody during excursions in open boats.

If the weather is expected to deteriorate warnings should be given and appropriate measures are to be taken by the vessel’s command, such as

prohibit access to the outer decks

suspend all leisure activities

instruct all passengers to stay in their cabins.

Seats, doors and bunk ladders need special attention

secure and, where appropriate, lash all seating on the vessel

clamps holding cabin doors should be in proper working condition

closing or sliding doors should be provided with damped automatic door closures slowing the door down preventing fingers being trapped

bunk ladders in cabins should be safely secured.

If an accident occurs, even a simple slip or fall, it is very important to show concern and provide immediate help and assistance – the ship’s doctor should be called immediately.

2.8.6.3 Accident prevention