Posted By Rich Bannister The company I am advising for at present is an offshore oil and gas construction contractor. We normally work on the dockside, building modules to be sailed out by barge. The docks are bounded by rigid guard rails to prevent any falls into the water. Very soon we will be receiving a barge to sail out a module. When the barge arrives, we will remove a portion of the barriers to install gangways, etc and the barge itself will be then be guarded. What provision do we need to make for retrieval of a man overboard? The company has a semi-rigid inflatable craft with outboard motor for rescue purposes but no one is really properly trained to use it or provide rescue skills (Swif[expletive deleted]er Rescue Tech or equiv). The boat is only really there because "we've always done it like that". My preference would be for all on the barge to wear floatation devices and have tethered lifebuoys to assist in a MoB situation. Are there any regulations that specifically cover this? This is a UK based question. Under whose remit would this fall (HSE, Coastguard, Port Authority, etc). Obviously we will need a SSoW and RA for working on the barge but what else is required? Sorry for the long post, but I'm trying to include as much info as possible. Looking forward to your replies.

Posted By tb Hi Rich, as the work is being done in a dockyard, it falls under the HSE and the Dockyard Regulations 1988 but as Jonathan has said I would also have a look at the MCA. The main part of the regulations will show that you have to have reasonable access with adequate fencing. Obviously this will be changed when you are removing the barriers and putting in place the gangways. It also states that you must have rescue and life saving equipment in the vicinity with a means of affecting escape from danger. It does not stipulate exactly what. I think that you are doing right by getting the individuals to wear the lifebuoys on the barge and have them on a lifeline if necessary but unless the barges will be moving into open tidal water, I don't think it will be necessary to have a rescue craft but ensure you note down on the risk assessment how you would get them out should they go into the water. Please feel free to email me direct if you need any further information. Tony

Posted By A Campbell Hi Rich, by the sound of things... the main risk would likely be the fitting of your gangways etc... once installed are you expecting hand rails etc to be in place? There is not normally a system going as far as rescue craft on standby, unless you intend to work over water where there is a risk of falling. Are the people installing the gangways experience with working this way... will they be using harness attachments, watch men, communications, life vest etc? You could always possibly liase with an agent in the port for a boat and crew facility in case of requiring to pick up persons from the water... if it's in a port/dock the sea state should be favourable for normal man overboard actions without weather, swell etc hindering and requiring a specialist unit. Just a couple of points there to maybe assist in how you intend to plan!

Posted By Vernon Smith Rich We area specialist water and working at heights safety cover provider. I agree with the posts made in regard to your query however, you should also include the following elements in your RA 1. Water tmeperature and the PPE clothing worn by those exposed to the risk 2. Likelyhood of head injuries making casualty self aid impossible - agian this might impact upon the PfD you choose. 3. Nature of the recovery - high sides, restricted access? A casualty in the water will cool very quickly and if left in the dock for more than a few minutes will begin to suffer from hydrostatic shock. Your recovery protocols will need to reflect time in water and ease of recovery - any doubt and you should consider having standy crew available. Hope this helps you can contact me on 07795 976285 if you need to talk it through. V