201017 Unsafe deck opening

Unsafe deck opening
MARS Report 201017

 

I have been on quite a few bulk carriers but have never seen a deck opening straight into a hold like this before – see Figure 3. There were no guard rails or warning signs, so that a person walking on deck could have easily fallen through the opening, some 20 metres straight to the bottom of the hold below.

This was a relatively new ship so maybe it was a new design feature to facilitate the removal of hold cleanings. A small davit and air winch combination is designed to fit over the opening, which would make it safer if it was in place. However, when the crew is manually raising/lowering small hand tools and small drums, the opening is unguarded, apart from a loose wooden grating, which could easily be displaced by an unsuspecting person’s foot with potentially disastrous consequences. It was actually quite unnerving and frightening to walk near the opening when it was not covered.

 

 

 

 

Editor’s note: On ships fitted with such openings, it is suggested that deck sockets be welded around them so that portable stanchions and safety lines may be rigged when the covers are removed. In addition, warning signs must be painted on the deck from all possible approach directions, and the perimeter and lids of the openings highlighted in fluorescent paint.