Where this sits
Governing: COSWP 2026, Chapters 10 and 17; SI 2010/332 (work at height) and SI 1998/2857 (manual handling), as cited in COSWP; MGN 410 (M+F) Amendment 4; MGN 578 (M) Amendment 3. Builds on: L2.1.
Work at height
COSWP 17.1 treats anyone working where there is a risk of falling as working at height (also called working aloft). That includes masts and radar arches, but also the inside of a tank or beside an open hatch. The key points:
- work at height only if there is no reasonably practicable alternative;
- risk assess it; depending on severity, a permit to work may be needed;
- only competent people plan, supervise and do the work;
- people under 18, or with less than 12 months at sea, should not work at height unless it is part of planned training and supervised (17.1, referring to MSN 1838 Amendment 2).
The controls in 17.2:
- wear a safety harness with a lifeline or other arresting device at all times where there is a risk of falling;
- send tools and stores up and down by line in containers, use tool lanyards, and set up a signed exclusion zone below;
- isolate the whistle and post notices before working near it;
- inform the OOW and isolate the radar before working near the scanner;
- stop radio transmissions near antennas.
Ladders
Use portable ladders only for short, low-risk work where you can keep three points of contact. The COSWP figure gives 75 degrees from horizontal, at least 1 m above the landing, secured at the top, with 150 mm clearance behind the rungs.
Overside work
Hull polishing, fender work and waterline touch-ups are routine on yachts. MGN 578 (M) Amendment 3 covers overside working systems on commercial yachts. COSWP 17.2.2 requires:
- harness and lifeline;
- a working lifejacket or buoyancy garment;
- a lifebuoy with line ready for immediate use;
- a person on deck observing;
- no overside work while under way except in an emergency, and then with rescue boats ready.
WARNING: Wash and swell Ship movement makes work at height more dangerous, even alongside (17.2.1). A passing ferry's wash can swing a stage into the hull. Watch the traffic, not just the job.
Manual handling
COSWP Chapter 10 defines manual handling as transporting or supporting a load by hand or bodily force: lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying. On yachts that means provisions, fenders, luggage, water toys, mattresses and deck furniture. The company must avoid hazardous manual handling where it can, assess the rest, and train crew.
Before you lift:
- Plan: where is it going, and is the route clear and dry?
- Assess the load: weight, sharp edges, grip, which side is heavy.
- Get help or an aid: some loads need two or more people.
- Lift well: close to the body, stable base, back straight, legs doing the work. For a long lift, rest midway to change grip.
- Stow: check the destination is clear first.
TIP: Provisioning day Use trolleys and form a chain at the passerelle rather than walking heavy boxes up a moving gangway. Safety boots, not deck shoes, for this job.