Crew Talk - Health and Safety

lifting @ bad weather

ranzkysimbajon — 2010-08-14T10:08:46 00

lifting by hand or using lifting equipment during the ships is moving on all side b'coz of bad weather condition is a risk right? do i have a right to say no if i think that it is dangerous to do?

Rest periods and working hours

modesto — 2010-04-19T10:25:16 00

I am always getting confused between the different minimums and maximums for this. Either there is minimum rest periods for seafarers in 24 hours period, or there is maximum working hours for the seafarer in 24 hours period.

Can anyone explain me what is the situation?

Piracy

Dave — 2009-04-13T11:43:28 00

The crew of the Maersk Alabama is now safe and showed the world what the US Merchant Marine is all about. We couldn't be more pleased to see that they are safe, and we couldn't be more inspired by their patriotic spirit. They have written a remarkable chapter in the history of seafarers whose background features many examples of bravery and sacrifice.

Moreover, this incident put a spotlight on one of the dangers "all" seafarers encounter on an everyday basis. Fortunately, this story ended on a positive note but there continues to be several hundred seafarers being held hostage by pirates. I hope the media does not stop the coverage of this issue now that the Alabama issue is over. It is incumbent upon us as world seafarers to keep this issue on the front page. We need to insist that all Flag States put forth more efforts and capital to end the profits of modern day piracy.

Smooth sailing,

Dave

On Load Lifeboat Release Systems

bluewave1 — 2008-11-08T09:58:42 00

Is better education and training the answer?

Cargo-handling by seafarers

Nemo — 2008-07-21T17:00:54 00

We continue to see evidence that many companies are still requiring seafarers to handle cargo. Do any of you have first hand experience of this? It would be particularly interesting to hear about the dangers to safety.

There is obviously a potential threat to the safety of the seafarers handling the cargo, if they are not trained to do the work or are not provided with the proper safety equipment, or if they do not have sufficient rest while in port. There can also be a knock-on effect on the safety of the ship itself, for instance if seafarers are not trained and cargo is badly stowed, or for dock workers in other ports, for example those having to unload unsafely loaded cargo.

What are your experiences?