2.
Confined Spaces and Atmospheric Hazards
Vessels are labyrinthine structures defined by tanks, voids, and cargo holds. Entering these confined spaces carries the immediate risk of oxygen depletion, engulfment, or exposure to toxic, explosive, or flammable gases that may have accumulated. Strict Permit-to-Work (PTW) systems, atmospheric testing, and continuous ventilation are essential to save lives.
3. Hot Work and Fire
Hot work - including welding, cutting, grinding, and burning - is constant in a shipyard. This activity creates immediate ignition sources near flammable materials, lubricants, and fuel residue on the vessel, particularly within the engine room or on tankers. The complexity of the vessel structure means fires can spread rapidly and be difficult to access, making robust fire watches, hot work permits, and isolation protocols mandatory.
4.
Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS)
Perhaps the most complex hazard is SIMOPS, where multiple independent activities occur in the same area. For example, a crane lift might be happening over a scaffolding crew while hot work is ongoing inside a tank nearby. The risk of one activity negatively impacting another - like a falling object from a lift injuring a welder - is extreme. Effective coordination, communication, and clear demarcation of work zones are critical for mitigating SIMOPS hazards.
The Necessity of a Strong Safety Framework
A robust safety framework is not an administrative burden; it is the fundamental mechanism for protecting personnel, assets, and schedule integrity. When an accident occurs, the direct costs of medical care, equipment damage, and investigation are quickly overshadowed by the indirect costs of work stoppage, project delays, legal liability, and irreparable reputational damage.
The goal of a strong safety system is to establish a shared, non- negotiable standard that spans the entire project - from the shipyard’s native staff to the vessel owner’s team and every third-party subcontractor. This includes:
- Clear lines of responsibility. - The use of formalized tools like Risk Assessments and Lock Out/ Tag Out (LOTO) procedures.
- Empowering every individual with Stop Work Authority (SWA).
A mature safety program ensures that risks are identified, communicated, and controlled before work begins, not after an incident occurs.
Introducing Guidance for Safer Operations
Recognizing the criticality of aligning safety standards between vessel operators and shipyards, the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has developed a comprehensive resource.
To assist vessel owners and contractors in navigating these complex, high-risk environments, IMCA has published the Guidance on Safety in Shipyards (IMCA HSS032, M221 - Rev. 2). This document serves as an indispensable tool, providing a structured, phased approach to safety management from initial planning and auditing through to operational execution and final project closeout. It offers practical checklists and procedures to help companies establish a unified safety standard, bridge documentation requirements, and ultimately ensure a safe and successful project delivery.
Download the guidance: Guidance on safety in Shipyards
THE REPORT | MAR 2026 | ISSUE 115 | 109
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