Working Aloft: Maritime Access and Rescue Training
Maritime vessels present working at height challenges that differ significantly from land-based environments: restricted access, moving surfaces and limited rescue options demand a specific approach to fall protection. This course gives crew members the knowledge and practical skills to use fall protective equipment safely on vessels, covering abseil systems, temporary fall arrest and restraint systems, risk assessment and emergency procedures including recovery of a suspended worker. On successful completion, delegates receive a certificate of competency.
• Legislation and regulations
The legal framework for working at height in maritime environments, including the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and any vessel-specific requirements that apply to the work being carried out.
• PPE inspection and correct use
How to carry out pre-use inspections of fall protective equipment and use it correctly on vessels, including identifying defects that would take equipment out of service before access begins.
• Positional working using abseil systems
How to use abseil systems for positional working on vessel surfaces, including rigging, descent control and the precautions required when working on curved or irregular hull profiles.
• Temporary fall arrest and restraint systems
How to set up and use temporary fall arrest and work restraint systems on vessels, including anchor selection, system configuration and the limitations of each approach in a maritime environment.
• Risk assessment
How to identify and assess working at height risks specific to maritime vessels, including environmental factors such as vessel movement, weather and limited rescue access, and how to select appropriate control measures.
• Emergency procedures and recovery
How to respond to a working at height emergency on a vessel, including raising the alarm, initiating rescue procedures and safely recovering a worker suspended in a fall arrest system.
• Assessment
Observed practical exercises evaluated by the course instructor.
Practical course combining classroom instruction with hands-on exercises using fall protective equipment in a maritime access context.
Crew members performing maintenance at height on maritime vessels and personnel responsible for planning, assessing or managing working at height tasks in maritime environments.
No prerequisites required.