Question 1

What is shown on the safety plaque fitted to an accommodation ladder, and how does an accommodation ladder differ from a gangway?

Accepted Answer

The plaque shows the maximum safe angle of inclination, the safe working load (SWL)/maximum number of persons, and the date of the last load test/thorough examination; an accommodation ladder is a ship's own equipment rigged from the ship's side to the waterline/pontoon for crew, pilot and visitor access and can be used at an angle, whereas a gangway is typically a more rigid, often shore-based or fixed structure used mainly when the ship is alongside at a relatively constant freeboard COSWP requires accommodation ladders (and gangways) to be examined and load-tested periodically, with the results — including the maximum safe working angle of inclination, the safe working load or maximum number of persons permitted, and the date of the last thorough examination/test — displayed on a plaque attached to the equipment, so that anyone using or rigging it can confirm it remains within its certified limits (e.g. accommodation ladders typically have a maximum safe angle, often around 55 degrees, beyond which the ladder should not be used). An accommodation ladder is a ship-fitted, hinged/winched structure used to provide access between the ship's deck and the waterline, a pontoon, or a quay, and can be rigged at varying angles to suit tide and freeboard; a gangway is generally a more rigid walkway, which may be ship- or shore-supplied, used where the relative height difference is smaller or more constant. Both require risk assessment for rigging, including consideration of the gap to the quay/pontoon, lighting, safety nets, and lifebuoys.

Question 2

You're asked to test a deck crane grab after electrical repairs nearby. As the grab is hoisted, what should have happened first?

Accepted Answer

The area within the grab's swing radius should be cleared of personnel before the lift On the bulk carrier Fairfield Eagle, a crew member working nearby was struck and fatally injured when a grab being test-lifted after repairs swung unexpectedly. The investigation found the area should have been cleared and barriered before the test lift began.

Question 3

A toolbox talk held before a lifting operation should explicitly cover which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Who must remain clear of the exclusion zone while the lift takes place A toolbox talk exists to make sure everyone present understands the danger zones, the abort signal, and — critically — who must not be in the area while the lift happens. The RMIMA investigation into the Fairfield Eagle fatality found the toolbox talk had not made this clear.