3 October 2024
MCA issues MGN 591 (M+F) amendment 2 and MGN 533 (M) amendment 3
Following the MAIB (Marine Accident Investigation Branch) investigation and subsequent safety flyer to the shipping industry - Pelican of London. The MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) has now issued amended guidance notices.
These amended notices give updated measures that shipowners and employers are expected to take in order to provide a safe means of access on UK ships.
Providing safe access to a ship is considered to be an integral part of ensuring a safe working environment on board, as required by the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Health and Safety at Work) Regulations.
In order to ensure the safety of those leaving or joining the ship, a safe means of access is required between the ship and any quay, pontoon, other structure, or another ship alongside which the ship is secured.
It is always worth remembering that the master is responsible for ensuring that a safe means of access is provided, even if the equipment is provided from the shore-side.
The notices give more insight and detail regarding gangways and handrails, rope nets and access ladders together with the requirements for robust risk assessments and shared responsibility between masters and ports.
They also address working at height issues and additional safety equipment and lighting that should be provided.
Direct link to the documents can be found below:
MGN 533 (M) Amendment 3 means of access
MGN 591 (M+F) Amendment 2 Provision of safe means of access
British Marine members can obtain further advice and guidance from the technical team by emailing