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31 Jul 2015 / Australia, all ports

Embarkation & disembarkation from ships in port

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a Marine Notice outlining the requirements for safe embarkation/disembarkation from ships in port, as stated under section 68 of Marine Order 21. The master of the ship is not required to provide the means of access, however, where it is provided by the ship the master must ensure the means of access complies with MO 21, SOLAS regulation II-1/3-9 and MSC.1/Circ.1331. If the master cannot provide compliant access with the means available on board, an alternate arrangement must be put in place rather than employing an unsafe/non-compliant arrangement. Where a means of access is provided by a port authority or other person, the master must take measures to ensure that any safety concern identified are bought to the attention of: (a) the person providing access; and (b) a person requiring access to or from the vessel. The master and any provider of the means of access are both responsible for ensuring that no unsafe means of access are used. AMSA reminds masters that they must make every effort to comply fully with Marine Order 21 and seek the assistance of port authorities, terminal operators and stevedores as appropriate in ensuring compliance. It should be noted that: 1. If a means of access is provided by a port authority or other person, the master must take measures to ensure that any safety concern has the attention of the person providing access and persons requiring access to or from the vessel and it is the master's responsibility to ensure that only a safe means of access is used. The shore provider of the access is also responsible for ensuring it complies with Marine Order 21. 2. Where an accommodation ladder or gangway is employed owners and operators of vessels are reminded that any accommodation ladder or gangway fall prevention arrangements fitted to their ships must be fit for purpose and should seek assistance from their flag and/or class society in this regard. 3. Gangways and accommodation ladders must not be used where the angle exceeds the allowable limits or, in the case ofaccommodation ladders, the lower platform is too high above the water. Where an AMSA surveyor identifies that a shore facility has provided an unsafe arrangement for access, or does not provide a mechanism where the ship can provide a safe access by its own means, then an Improvement Notice may be issued to the relevant person under section 265 of the Navigation Act 2012. This will specify the action to be taken and the time frame for completion. If AMSA prohibits use of a means of access, use of that access will constitute an offence. All Australian workers are covered by relevant workplace health and safety legislation and this places an obligation on employers and employees to act safely. This means that all persons using ships access have an obligation not to expose themselves to hazards which includes using an unsafe means of access. For further details and information about operations in Australian ports contact GAC Australia at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

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