SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION

Spontaneous combustion can occur when packed cargoes such as coal,

hemp, copra and grain are carried especially if these have been ... In
the centre of these cargoes there is . to supply a cooling effect and
the natural heat generated can rise to such a degree that it
causes of the material. Due to ., this will just smoulder
for a considerable time until part of the cargo is removed. Then by
admitting additional air, the cargo .. Stowage of engine room
stores is important since materials such as cleaning rags, cotton waste,
sawdust can all cause . especially if they are stored next to
the various
chemicals carried on board ships.

could burst into flames

Combustion
very little ventilation
the restriction of oxygen supply
spontaneous combustion
loaded in damp conditions

LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES
Lifeboats are the primary means of ., however operations
involving the lowering of lifeboats are potentially hazardous. Lifeboats
must be .. and exercised in the water once every three months. If
the vessel is equipped with free fall lifeboats, launches are required six
monthly. It is important to. as per manufacturer's manual.
Release systems must , correctly operated and tested
regularly. Failure to do this can lead to . in the boat being
released prematurely or alternatively not being released..
must be carried out to ensure that all crewmembers are familiar with
the correct operation of this type of equipment.

Training
maintain the lifeboats falls and davits
a malfunction of the release equipmentresulting
escape from a vessel in distress
launched
be properly adjusted, regularly maintained

SECURITY LEVELS
The term "security levels" is used to quantify the risk of a potential
security incident. There are 3 security levels:
Level 1 is considered as normal with minimum routine security
measures in place.
Level 2 is where an increased risk of security incident exists. In this
case there areadditional security measures taken over and above
those at level 1.
Level 3 is the highest level and this is where a security incident
or threat against a port, port facility, or ship is probable or imminent.
Instructions will normally be given by those responding to the incident
and generally normal operations will stop. If the security level changes
the Master will be advised by the vessel's flag Administration,
Company Security Officer of the port. In turn the Ship Security Officer
will ensure that all crew are made aware of the level along with their
duties.

SECURITY
Threats to the security of ships and crews are always present, whether
it be theft, stowaways, piracy, terrorism, bomb threats or drug
smuggling. The security of the shipis in the interest of everyone on
board. The ship has a security plan which gives the SSOassistance in
organizing effective security and practical guidance in procedures and
precautions. A Ship Security Officer is appointed onboard and is
responsible to the Master for all security issues and for conducting
regular security training on board for the crew. Everyone on board has
a duty to ensure that the vessel is kept as secure as possible and that
any suspicious activities, persons or packages are reported
immediately to the SSO.

DANGEROUS MATERIALS AND GOODS

Many materials used on board ships have health and safety
implications for personnel handling them. All dangerous materials are
only to be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Chemicals must always be handled with great care and personal
protective equipment utilized. This equipment is to consist of eye
protection,rubber gloves and an apron. Care is to be taken not to
breathe chemical vapours. Proprietary eye wash liquid is to be
available as a first aid measure to remove chemicals from the eyes.
EMERGENCY PARTIES
An Emergency Party is selected from the most suitable officers and
ratings on the ship. Usually several emergency parties are formed,
such as Bridge Party, Engine Room Party, First Aid Party and Fire-
Fighting Party. Regular alarm testing must be used as an opportunity
for all on board to learn to recognize the signal for activating the
emergency team. This is particularly important where confusion may
arise from different alarms. Suitable locations are to be designated for
the Emergency Parties to muster at. They must have reasonable
access to the upper deck, the accommodation and machinery spaces.
The Emergency Party is to muster at a location where emergency
equipment is readily available.
 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Personal Protective Equipment will not in itself prevent an accident but
will help toprevent injury. Any person who may be required to wear or
use protective clothing or equipment is to be properly trained or
instructed in its use and advised of any limitations of its use. Protective
clothing and equipment are to be issued to each employee or kept in
an easily accessible and clearly marked location. Any defects are to be
reported immediately. Note that items such as scarves, sweatbands,
casual headgear, loose clothing, finger rings, necklaces and other
jewellery can be extremely hazardous. These objects can get caught in
moving machinery, power tools or when working with ropes or lines. If
the necessary PPE is not available for use, work must not be carried
out or permitted.

OIL SPILL
Half of all major pollution claims arise from incidents on ships that are not carrying oil
cargoes spillages of bunker oil and collision account for over one third of the total
number of pollution claims. All ships' personnel must ensure that all necessary
precautions are taken and that proper procedures are strictly followed during all oil
transfer operations. A close watch must be maintained during these operations to
ensure that any escape of oil does not go unnoticed. All vessels must carry oil spill
removal equipment which includes sorbents, non sparking hand scoops, shovels, and
buckets, emulsifiers for deck cleaning, protective clothing, scupper plugs, portable
pumps with hoses, etc. The equipment must be kept in a convenient storeroom and
must not be used for any other purpose.

SAFE WELDING
If welding or flame-cutting are needed in areas other than in the workshop you
should receive a Permit to Work. Where portable lights are required to provide
adequate illumination, they should be clamped or secured in position.Adequate
ventilation should be provided when welding in enclosed spaces. Breathing
apparatus may be needed. Welding equipment should be inspected before use
to ensure that it is in serviceable condition. All repairs should be carried out by
a competent person. Protective clothing including welding helmet, or goggles,
leather welding gloves, leather apron and long-sleeved boiler suit must be worn
by the operator. The area of work should be free of combustible solids, liquids
or gases. Suitable fire extinguisher should be kept at hand ready for use during
the operation.

WORK ON ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS

Prior to work involving maintenance and testing of electrical circuits, a Permit to
work is to be completed. This involves work where there is a danger of shock
that could result in injury or death. It should be remembered that such injury can
be caused at voltages as low as 60V.
It also involves work on electrical circuits of any voltage where there is a
risk of flammable vapors being present. This will involve all work outside the
main accommodation block and machinery spaces on vessels carrying
dangerous cargoes. Care is to be taken to isolate the equipment at source
wherever possible and to follow the Lock-out/Tag-out procedures.

MEDIA
During serious incidents many telephone calls may be made to the ship. The
Master must clearly identify the caller before passing on any
information.Unauthorized callers must be referred to the Company for
information. The media in particular will persist in trying to obtain as much
information as possible. Only the Master must speak to them. Information passed
must only be the minimum necessary and is to be factual. Information, which is
found to bemisleading, can be very damaging to the management of the
incident. The Master must ensure that no other Officer or crewman speaks to the
media. At no time must anyone comment on the cause of the incident.

ENCLOSED SPACE ENTRY

An enclosed space includes tanks for cargo, ballast, fuel, fresh water, cofferdams
etc. However any enclosed space is to be considered as dangerous if that space
has been closed for an extended period without any ventilation.Such spaces
may be oxygen deficient or be filled with toxic fumes from cargoes, fuel or even
paint and chemicals. An inspection by Master and Chief engineer is to be carried
out in order to identify all spaces which through lack of regular use or any other
reason may be considered dangerous. These spaces are to be
clearly marked with appropriate warnings, stating that enclosed space entry
procedures must be followed. No person must enter an enclosed space, unless
a permit has been issued by a
senior officer and all precautions have been taken along with adequat
e safety equipment and personnel on stand-by in case of emergency.

KEEPING WATCH AT THE GANGWAY

All visitors must be asked to show identification. Details will then be entered into
the visitors' logbook and a pass issued. Random checking of persons and
their belongings is to be carried out as per the security plan and the security
level in force. Personal checks can be assisted by the use of a hand-held metal
detector. During a check any weapons or anything that could be considered
assuspicious or looks unusual should be treated as a security alert. If in doubt
request the advice of the Officer of the Watch or the Ship Security Officer. If the
person refuses to allow his bags suspicious then they and their baggage must
not be allowed on board. If a visitor refuses to show his identification or if you
suspect the identification document to be false you should contact the Officer of
the Watch or the SSO.

RISK ASSESSMENT
Risk Assessment is a relatively simple task and is a careful examination
of potential hazards during onboard activities. During this examination,
precautions already in place can be identified and decisions made as to
whetheradditional precautions may be required. The aim is to prevent at
leastminimize the chances of accidents or incidents .Assessments are
requiredfor all critical operations on board. An operation which may be
considered as "routine" with minimal risk in normal conditions may present
a higher risk where conditions change, for example bad weather or
machinery failure. Day to day operations are to be included as well as all
other critical operations including unusual or infrequent tasks.

STOWAWAYS
Stowaways are usually desperate people trying to flee their country due to
political unrest or war. They hide onboard and can create many problems but if
discovered they should be treated with reasonable
respect and consideration.Stowaways can board in any country but are
prevalent in West Africa, Central America and in places where there may be
political problems. To assist checking for stowaways a checklist is to be used for
routine and final inspection. The checklist contains all spaces where a
stowaway could possibly hide. Crews are urged to carry out through
searches of hard-to-reach positions on the ship.

FIRE PREVENTION
Nearly all fires which have happened on board ships could have been avoided.
Fire-fighting on board is difficult and dangerous owing to the confined
areas inwhich the fire may be tackled and restricted means of escape. These
difficulties and dangers can be greatly reduced with the regular exercising and
training in the drills. Good housekeeping in all areas of the ship is essential for
fire prevention. Strictly observe smoking regulations. Private electrical equipment
is only to be used if the equipment is type approved. When such equipment is not
in use they must be switched off and disconnected from the power source.
Laundry equipment is to be switched off when not in use. Spillages of oil, paint,
solvents or other flammable liquids are to be cleaned up immediately and rags
disposed of correctly.

HOUSEKEEPING
Good housekeeping is important for safe work on board. All areas must
be kept clean, dry, free of rubbish, and free from slipping and tripping hazards.
The right tools should be used for each job, and they must be kept in good
order. To avoid any accidents tools, materials, spares and other supplies
should be stowed securely and correctly. When you work it is necessary to have
sufficient lighting. All alleyways, escape routes and emergency exits must not
be obstructed. If there are some leaking pipes or fittings any leakage should be
traced and stopped. Any spills must be cleaned up immediately. Oil soaked rags
and other flammable materials are potentially hazardous and must be disposed of
in fireproof receptacles.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Anyone on board who discovers an emergency must first activate the nearest
alarm switch. He must ensure that the Deck Officer on duty is informed
without delay as to the nature and location the emergency, and then proceed
to his Emergency Station. In the case of a minor fire, after the alarm has been
raised, an attempt should be made to tackle it with minor fire appliances. In
case of a more serious fire, doors should be shut and the area secured before
evacuating it. All alarm signals are shown on the Muster List. It is essentialthat
all crew members are aware of the meaning of the various alarm signals in use
on board. In all cases, signals are to be backed up with information on the
ship's public address system, where fitted.

CONFINED SPACES
When entering confined spaces, the atmosphere may be dangerous to health or
even fatal. It may be
deficient in oxygen and may contain flammable or toxic fume vapors. A
competent person should make an assessment of the space and a responsible
officer should be designated to take charge of the planned operation. It is vitally
important to identify the potential hazards. The space must be prepared and
secured for entry and the atmosphere inside should betested. No sources of
ignition should be taken into the space. In all cases,rescue and resuscitation
equipment should be positioned ready for use at the entrance to the space. A
system of communication should be agreed and tested to ensure that any
person entering the space can keep in contact withthe person stationed at the
entrance.

MOBILE PHONES AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

There is a strong possibility of shipboard electronics malfunctioning because
of interference caused by the use of mobile telephones. This can be potentially
very dangerous. Sensitive equipment such as fire alarm and gas detection
systems are particularly prone to interference from other
electronic equipment.Masters are required to identify the critical areas on the
vessel and ensure a sign is posted regarding restrictions on the use of portable
phones during critical periods. Areas where restrictions may be necessary
include: the navigation bridge and the engine control room during maneuvering;
and the cargo control room during cargo operations in the vicinity of the steering
gear.
SECURITY ON BOARD
Practical measures must be taken to reduce security risks. Before
entering ports, Masters must remind their crew about their own
personal security both on board and on shore. Every crewman must
ensure that his/her cabin is kept locked. When in port, a good gangway
and deck watch must be maintained. Access to the ship must be
limitedone point whenever possible. Rope ladders, including pilot
ladders are not to be left over-side. Regular checks all round the ship
are to be made with attention to the off-shore side as well as the
shore-side. Watchmen must carry torches and must keep in radio
contact with the officer-of-the-watch.

WORKING ALOFT
Special precautions should be taken when working aloft. Where possible, staging or a
ladder should be used and secured firmly. A safety harness and lifeline must be used.
If possible a safety net should be rigged. Tools should be carried up in secure
containers or belts specially designed for carrying tools to prevent them falling and
causing injury to anyone. The area below the work site should be roped offwith
warning signs stating that people are working aloft. Care should also be taken when
working aloft that tools are placed securely to prevent them dropping on
anyone. Hazards should be identified, such as the ship whistle, radars, antennae,
which should all be isolated while aloft and "Do not operate" signs should be placed
on them.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL
Under Annex V of the MARPOL Convention, garbage includes all kinds of food and
domestic and operational waste generated during normal operation of the vessel.
A Garbage Management Plan is obligatory on board the ship. This plan is adapted to
meet any ship-specific requirements. Each new member of the crew must receive full
instruction and training in the management of ships garbage and waste. This is to
include collection, separation, processing, storage and disposal. The Garbage
Management Plan is reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains effective.
The Garbage Disposal Record must include information with regard to when garbage
is discharged into the sea, To reception facilities ashore or to another ship, when
garbage is incinerated and anyaccidental or exceptional discharge of garbage.