Personnel Transfer
Risk of serious injury and drowning during the transfer of personnel, including use of gangways, ladders and personnel baskets.
passengers transferred by crane in the offshore industry each year 1
fatality per year from crane accidents 2
1 (Source: https://www.dnv.com/article/risks-of-marine-transfer-of-personnel-offshore-200559)
2 (Source: https://www.dnv.com/article/risks-of-marine-transfer-of-personnel-offshore-200559)
Guiding Principles
- Eliminate the need for personnel transfers, where possible. Consider ‘Do we really need to do this?’
Pilot Ladder Checklist - Conduct risk assessment and identify if additional hazards specific to the operation and prevailing conditions.
- Establish and implement HSE procedures on personnel transfer, based on a risk assessment.
Shipping Industry Guidance on Pilot Transfer Arrangements, Third Edition - Supervise by a responsible officer - rigging of the transfer arrangement and operation.
- Keep equipment well maintained - the appliances shall be kept clean, properly maintained and stowed and shall be regularly inspected to ensure they are safe to use. Inspection routines should be included in the vessels planned maintenance system.
- Cranes required for personnel basket operations must be class-approved as suitable for this purpose.
- Train crew in their responsibilities as part of the risk assessment controls. Conduct Toolbox Talks.
Lessons Learnt: Serious injury to pilot - Supplement practical training with Reflective Learning exercise “Personnel Transfer”
Reflective Learning Library - Give specific focus during Company audits and periodical risk assessment reviews.
Pilot Ladder Safety: Do It Right, The First Time - Check maintenance and inspection records during Superintendent visits.
- Arrange third party safety inspections.
IMO / IMPA Wheelhouse Poster
Resources
Shipping Industry Guidance on Pilot Transfer Arrangements, Third Edition
This guidance is intended to remind seafarers and companies of the vital importance of adhering to the rules and established procedures concerning the provision of safe boarding arrangements for pilots.
Lessons Learnt: Serious injury to pilot
In preparation for arrival in port the pilot ladder was rigged on the side of the vessel. While the pilot climbed the ladder, an unforeseen event caused serious injuries to the Pilot. This video examines what can be learnt from the incident and how it could have been prevented.
Did you find this helpful?
Share your feedback
- Was anything hard to implement?
- How could this resource be improved?