1. Lifeboat Operations
Slips, Trips & Falls
May 2017

2. Notes for Guidance What the Engagement Pack includes
Key points the supervisor should cover in their discussion
Questions the supervisor can ask the group
Purpose of the Engagement Pack
To help supervisors provide their staff with a platform to have a meaningful safety discussion and encourage sharing of experiences and discussions around their learning outcomes.
Using the Engagement Pack
This pack has been designed for use by a supervisor in front of a group of no more than 10 people. The pack should be placed on a table with the pictures facing the group and the notes facing the supervisor. Use practical demonstration where possible. The notes are memory joggers to highlight key points but should not be read word for word.
Preparing for an Engagement Session
Before beginning the session the supervisor should familiarise themselves with the content and it’s purpose. Make sure there is enough space and time for the staff to interact with each other.
Who is to be Engaged?
For the use of vessel crews and all those who are involved in marine operations.
Where?
Engagement should be carried out in a quiet room/area such as a vessel’s office, mess room, or quiet area in a workshop.
When to hold the Engagement
Choose a time that is suitable for all staff. This should be when they are alert and most likely to contribute to the discussion. This will help in absorbing and retaining the information for much longer.
This Engagement Pack IS NOT to be used for skills training or a task requiring a licensed operator. This IS NOT a tool box talk. This is an opportunity for staff on board to talk about safety without feeling rushed to commence their work. The rate of learning is more important than completing the pack so allow two or more sessions if necessary.

3. Inspection and Maintenance
Worn out soles
Incorrect footwear
Worn out soles
Together we are stronger
Incorrect footwear

4. Inspection and Maintenance
The main issues:
Corrosion of fall wires
Hook design may not be optimal, and become stiff and difficult to operate
Incorrect sheave diameter causing damage to fall wires
Incorrect installation of fall wires or incorrect wires used during replacement
Faulty limit switches
Differing requirements dependent upon design and manufacturer
Processes:
Always
Follow manufacturer's instructions for onboard maintenance
Pay close attention to areas where damage may be more likely, such as the winch braking system, sheaves, blocks and rollers
Check thoroughly any work undertaken by a service company to make sure the equipment is left in good working order
Ensure
Risk assessments and procedures are discussed with the team, and the work is assigned to individuals of appropriate knowledge and experience.
Permits are completed (where required) prior to any work
Planned maintenance worksheets comply with regulatory and manufacturer’s requirements for onboard maintenance
Parts are moving freely and are well lubricated
Lifeboats are adequately ventilated before and during working inside
Sheave diameters are measured and are within acceptable range
Limit switches and cut-outs are tested regularly
Wire inspection regime is robust and changeout undertaken when required using the correct replacement wires
Key message: Follow manufacturer’s maintenance instructions and ensure boats are ready for use at all times
Discussion points:
What should you do if you suspect equipment is damaged or in poor condition?
What are the signs of damage to wires and sheaves? Do you know what to look for?
Can you identify potential “single point failures” in the installation?

5. Drills and Training

6. Drills and Training
The main issues:
Complacency of personnel carrying out the tasks
New or inexperienced staff
Lack of familiarity with equipment operation
Lack of interest due to repetitive training scenarios
Uncertainty around regulations for drill frequency and content
Differences in requirements for davit-launched and free-fall lifeboats
Processes:
Always
Use appropriate language and terminology when conducting the training session
Create a learning environment where personnel feel able to speak up to share experiences and ask questions
Allow time to answer queries and address issues
Ensure
Training and drills are held at the required frequency and in accordance with SOLAS and Flag State requirements
Training is applicable to the equipment held onboard
Personnel have fully understood the subject before moving on to the next one
New crewmembers and inexperienced personnel are aware of their role in an emergency situation
Key message: Utilise different training methods and styles to engage personnel
Discussion points:
How do we conduct training onboard? Where can we find training requirements and drill frequency for the type of boats we have onboard?
How do we get assurance from personnel that they understand what has been demonstrated during drills?

7. Waterborne Operations

8. Waterborne Operations
The main issues:
Failure of equipment
Unintentional or premature release of hooks
Difficulty recovering boat
Incorrect operation or reset of release mechanism
Poor communication
Incorrect rigging of painters
Different procedures for varying designs
Inappropriate supervision
Processes:
Always
Conduct a thorough toolbox talk before commencing operations, including risk assessment, safety issues and communication methods
Emphasise the need for constant vigilance and intervention in case of doubt
Visually inspect equipment and launching apparatus before use
Ascertain hooks are in the correct position while lifeboat is secure
Follow shipboard procedures
Ensure
Weather conditions are within acceptable limits and are monitored throughout the operation as has the potential to change
Each person is aware of their assigned duties during the operation and know who is in charge
Verbal instruction is given clearly and acknowledgement received
Personnel involved are confident and competent to carry out the operation
Painters are rigged correctly for davit-launched lifeboats and rescue boats
Key message: Plan ahead to carry out waterborne tests at the required frequency
Discussion points:
Describe your launching and recovery procedures?
How does the release mechanism operate on your lifeboat? How can we tell if it has reset properly?
How can regular and thorough visual inspections prevent incidents?

9. Engines and Equipment
Ahead
Neutral
Handrails

10. Engines and Equipment
Key message: Knowing how your lifeboat operates and where to find vital equipment increases your chances of survival
The main issues:
Lack of understanding of engine-starting procedure
Poor awareness of equipment available in survival craft
Lack of familiarity with equipment location and function
Equipment in poor condition
Variances in engine-starting procedures for different boat types
Processes:
Always
Check the equipment is in good condition, is easily accessible and within date where applicable
Report any issues arising from engine tests or equipment checks, including the air support system and sprinkler systems
Order replacement items in good time
Spend time during training to demonstrate the operation of survival equipment
Ensure
Personnel are given adequate instruction on where to find and how to use essential survival equipment
Personnel involved are confident and competent to carry out the operation
Adequate training is carried out so all onboard can operate the engine in an emergency
Discussion points:
How do you start the engine in your lifeboat?
What kind of equipment can be found inside a survival craft and how is it used?

11. Family, Friends, and Colleagues
Remember
Your family needs you

12. Family, Friends, and Colleagues
Notes:
Taking care of ourselves can improve our relationships with family and friends
Demonstrating better safety behaviours and choices also benefits our family, crew, and others too
Achieving work/life balance is important in keeping the mind and body primed to deal with challenging situations
Key message: We all want to get home safely
Discussion points:
Why is taking care of yourself important for your home life?
How can we set good examples of safety for our friends and colleagues so that we can all go back safely to our families?