Posted By Colin Reeves If you are talking about a vessel operating under the Merchant Shipping acts, then there is no such mandatory requirement. However, all shipping companies will have a mandatory Safety Management System which will include the use of risk assessments. These may identify such a need - and with fishing* or supply vessels it is likely that the RA will so identify a need. However, not as a blanket reason. If you are talking about an offshore platform, these come under shore legislation and I do not know the requirements of the HSE in this respect. Colin *fishing industry do not need a mandatory SMS, but the larger companies will have something similar

Posted By Joe Holland Colin/Glen - we travel to an offshore Winf Farm 8km out. Enclosed boat and safety boat in area. Life vests are standard issue and worn all the time. To access the Turbine we have to cross from the boat to the monopile via a fixed step on the bow of the boat onto a ladder, dependent on tide a climb of between 20m - 14m. Prior to leaving the boat, we attach to a fall arrest system and only them cross over and climb. Fast tides in the area and monthly MOB drills have given an indication of 6 - 8 minutes retrevial time. RA has indicated no movement on the boat until such time as told to do so by boat captain, i.e. boat in position, boat steady and step down. MOB Drills, Life Vest and use of Harness and Fall Arrest. However, Client believes that the use of Floatation/Survival Suit is mandatory when water below 10' or in hours of darkness. My issue is that I feel Floatation/Survival suit is cumbersome during the climb, leads to overheating which consequently leads to working in damp clothing for the duration of the day unless additional clothing is carried seperately and more importantly is a hazard when climbing because of it's bulkiness. I see their requirements as being over kill but need ammunition to present a case against wearing them.

Posted By Glen Coe Joe, That makes more sense, I thought you meant at any time outside the accomodation any evening, sounded too much like devilment ! You have a good challenge, and I can see both sides here, a risk assessment, would inevitably identify the high risk of falling into the water and therefore mitigation would be required to maximise survival. I can also see that that these suits would make it hot, but I tend to sway with the employer. The ease of rescuing someone in the dark and cold water causing hyper-ventilation is more significant than short term discomfort of wearing the ppe. The severity of getting hot and requiring to slow things down compared to the severity of falling the N. Sea in the dark. For me the choice is easy, but if you feel strongly you should discuss your reservations with the site HSE Advisor. Hope this helps.