Health and safety on ships

Overview

• Operators of seagoing ships or small commercial vessels must protect the health and safety of workers by:
• following safety standards and codes of practice
• ensuring the safety of machinery and equipment
• making sure the vessel is safely mannedand all workers have the necessary qualifications
• having the right emergency procedures and equipment
• providing health protection and medical care
• doing regular risk assessments
• supplying necessary protective clothing and equipment
• monitoring maritime safety information broadcasts
• consulting with workers or their representatives on health and safety matters

Providing health and safety training

Workers must get basic health and safety training. There’s more information on what this covers on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.

Written health and safety policy

The ship must must have a policy that sets out how health and safety will be managed. Read guidance on writing a health and safety policy.