Maritime et Coastguard Agency - HMS0020 - Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen Consolidated Edition

English language book.

The 'Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers 2015 consolidated edition' provides guidance on improving health and safety on board vessels and articulates how statutory obligations should be fulfilled. It is intended primarily for merchant seafarers on United Kingdom registered vessels.

It is a statutory requirement for the Code to be carried on board all UK ships other than fishing vessels and pleasure craft. The Code contains essential health and safety information and it must be made available to any seafarer on board the ship who requests it.

The consolidated 2015 edition includes:

CODE OF SAFE WORKING PRACTICES FOR MERCHANT SEAFARERS (COSWP) 2015 EDITION

• A new chapter outlining the importance of a good safety culture, including revised guidance on risk assessment.
• New content on fatigue.
• Revised chapter on entry into dangerous spaces, reflecting new SOLAS requirements, IMO Resolution A.27/Res.1050 and other best practice.
• A new chapter on ergonomics.

CODE OF SAFE WORKING PRACTICES FOR MERCHANT SEAFARERS (COSWP) 2015 EDITION - AMENDMENT 1 OCTOBER 2016

Amendment 1 includes the following:

• New chapter (Chapter 32) covering Ships Serving Offshore Renewables.
• Updated signs in Chapter 9, Safety Signs.

CODE OF SAFE WORKING PRACTICES FOR MERCHANT SEAFARERS (COSWP) 2015 EDITION - AMENDMENT 2 DECEMBER 2017

Amendment 2 includes the following:

• Update to Chapter 3, with the addition of information on sunglasses and risk from sharps.
• Update to Chapter 21, with information about solid carbon dioxide.
• Update to Chapter 22, with information about safe access to small craft.

The Code details the regulatory framework for health and safety on board ships, safety management and statutory duties underlying the advice in the Code and the areas that should be covered when introducing a new recruit to the safety procedures on board.