Safe Crew Transfer and Stores Loading on Hopper Dredges

Date: 2026-01-13

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To ensure the safety of all personnel during crew transfers and stores loading operations on hopper dredges, complying with all relevant regulations and best practices.

Introduction

Crew transfers and stores loading are critical operations on hopper dredges, but they also present significant safety hazards. This toolbox talk will cover the key safety procedures, hazard identification, and control measures to minimize risks during these activities.

Key Points

• Pre-Transfer Briefing: Before any transfer or loading operation, conduct a thorough briefing covering the plan, potential hazards, roles and responsibilities, and emergency procedures. Ensure all personnel understand the communication signals and procedures.
• Vessel Positioning and Stability: Maintain a safe distance between the dredge and the transfer vessel. Consider the sea state, current, and wind conditions. Ensure the dredge and transfer vessel are stable before commencing any transfer or loading activities. Operators of cranes/equipment, installed on floating vessels, must not lift personnel when the list or trim of the vessel exceeds one degree.
• Communication: Establish and maintain clear communication between the dredge, the transfer vessel, and the shore-based personnel. Use standardized hand signals or radio communication, and ensure everyone understands the signals. If the movement of a boat is regulated by hand signals, the code of signals authorized by the Board must be followed.
• Load Securing: All loads must be properly secured to prevent shifting or falling during lifting and transfer. Use appropriate slings, shackles, and other lifting gear, and inspect them before use. Ensure the load is within the safe working load of the lifting equipment.
• Housekeeping: Keep the transfer and loading areas clear of obstructions and tripping hazards. Ensure adequate lighting is provided, especially during night operations. Clean up any spills immediately to prevent slips and falls.

Hazard Identification

Crew transfer and stores loading operations involve several potential hazards that can lead to serious injuries or incidents. It is crucial to identify and understand these hazards to implement effective control measures.

• Falls Overboard: Serious injury or drowning due to slips, trips, or loss of balance during transfer. (Risk: High)
• Crushing Injuries: Severe injuries from being caught between vessels, equipment, or loads. (Risk: High)
• Dropped Loads: Injuries to personnel, damage to equipment, or environmental pollution from unsecured loads. (Risk: Medium)
• Slipping Hazards: Slips, trips, and falls due to wet or oily surfaces, leading to injuries. (Risk: Medium)
• Equipment Malfunction: Injuries or delays due to failure of lifting equipment, cranes, or transfer systems. (Risk: Medium)

Control Measures

• Use of Personnel Transfer Devices: Utilize approved personnel transfer devices such as gangways, personnel baskets, or swing ropes, ensuring they are properly maintained and inspected. When hoisting employees solely for transfer to or from a marine worksite, the employee must be in either a personnel platform or a marine-hoisted personnel transfer device.
• Proper Lifting Techniques: Implement safe lifting procedures, including pre-lift inspections of equipment, proper slinging and rigging, and clear communication between the crane operator and signal person. All loads must be properly secured to prevent shifting or falling during lifting and transfer. Use appropriate slings, shackles, and other lifting gear, and inspect them before use. Ensure the load is within the safe working load of the lifting equipment.
• Fall Protection: Require the use of appropriate fall protection equipment, such as safety harnesses and lanyards, when working at heights or near the edge of the vessel. An employee, while occupying a boom-supported elevating work platform or a personnel elevating platform supported by a rough-terrain forklift truck, shall be protected from falling by the use of personal fall arrest systems that meet the requirements of Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, section 1926.502 (d), or positioning device systems that meet the requirements of Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, section 1926.502 (e).
• Weather Monitoring: Continuously monitor weather conditions and suspend operations if winds, sea state, or visibility become unfavorable. Personnel platforms shall not be used in winds (sustained or gusts) in excess of 20 mph (32.2 km/hr), or in electric storms, snow, ice, sleet, or other adverse weather conditions which could affect the safety of personnel.
• Emergency Response Plan: Ensure a comprehensive emergency response plan is in place, including procedures for man overboard, medical emergencies, and equipment failures. Conduct regular drills to ensure personnel are familiar with the plan.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Life Jackets/Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs): Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD at all times when working near or over water. Ensure the PFD is properly fitted and in good condition. When personnel lifts are conducted over water, the employer must provide U.S. Coast Guard approved (Type I, II, III, or V) personnel flotation devices and require them to be worn.
• Safety Harness with Lanyard: Use a safety harness with a double lanyard when working at heights or transferring between vessels. Ensure the lanyard is attached to a secure anchor point.
• Non-Slip Footwear: Wear non-slip footwear to prevent slips and falls on wet or oily surfaces. Ensure footwear is in good condition and provides adequate traction.
• Gloves: Wear appropriate gloves to protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and exposure to hazardous materials. Select gloves based on the specific task and materials being handled.

Real-World Example or Case Study

A crew member attempted to jump from a transfer vessel to the dredge during rough seas. He slipped and fell between the vessels, sustaining serious injuries. This incident highlights the importance of using proper transfer devices and assessing weather conditions before commencing operations.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. What are some additional hazards we might encounter during night transfers?
2. How can we improve communication during noisy operations?
3. What specific weather conditions should immediately halt transfer operations?

Emergency Procedures

1. Man Overboard: Immediately throw a flotation device, activate the man overboard alarm, and begin search and rescue operations.
2. Medical Emergency: Provide first aid, contact medical personnel, and prepare for evacuation if necessary.
3. Equipment Failure: Stop operations, isolate the equipment, and report the failure to the supervisor for repair or replacement.

Questions and Answers

• Q: What should I do if I see a potential hazard during a transfer operation?

A: Immediately report the hazard to your supervisor and take steps to mitigate the risk, if possible. Do not proceed with the operation until the hazard is addressed.

• Q: What is the procedure if weather conditions worsen during a transfer?

A: Stop the transfer operation immediately and seek shelter. Wait for the weather to improve before resuming operations.

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Always conduct a pre-transfer briefing to discuss the plan and potential hazards.
• Use appropriate personnel transfer devices and ensure they are properly maintained.
• Maintain clear communication between all parties involved in the transfer or loading operation.
• Wear appropriate PPE, including life jackets, safety harnesses, and non-slip footwear.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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