Question 1

Since the MLC 2006 amendments to Standard A4.3 (in force from 23 December 2024), what must shipowners ensure regarding PPE provided to seafarers?

Accepted Answer

PPE must be of appropriate size for every seafarer on board, requiring a range of sizes to be stocked This amendment addressed the long-standing problem of PPE designed around a default frame failing to properly protect smaller or differently proportioned crew members.

Question 2

Cargo operations are ongoing and the second officer wants to simultaneously send a crew member aloft on the foremast to fix a navigation light, reasoning that the mast is "well clear" of the active hatch.

What should happen?

Accepted Answer

Treat this as a combined-hazard situation: work aloft near cargo operations should only proceed if absolutely essential, with barriers and warning notices for anyone moving below, and ideally be deferred until cargo work pauses "Well clear" is a judgement call that can be wrong - dropped tools, swinging gear, and moving personnel below the mast during active cargo work compound risk. COSWP treats this combination as something to avoid unless essential.

Question 3

Partway through an overside hull inspection under a valid permit, the duty officer asks the team to also quickly check a sea chest grating 10 metres further aft while they're already rigged, without raising a new permit.

Is this acceptable?

Accepted Answer

No - this is a scope change; the permit controller must be notified and the permit reassessed/reissued for the new location before work continues A permit to work is specific to location and task. Extending scope to a new area introduces different anchor points, exclusion zones, and hazards (e.g. different fendering, different suction zones) that were not assessed in the original permit.