Monitoring Stevedores

In order to ensure efficient movement of cargoes both on board vessels and ashore in ports and terminals, the services of local stevedoring companies will usually be utilised.

The stevedores may be involved in moving cargo by either ship’s equipment or by hand. They may also be involved in directing cargo operations or in lashing and securing cargoes. This work can be physically demanding and hazardous, particularly whilst the stevedores are working on board unfamiliar vessels.

Most ports will require stevedores to undergo a selection and training programme. These programmes should ensure that stevedores have at least the basic skills necessary to work safely within the port or terminal. However, the programmes may not provide suitable training on working safely on board.

Regardless of the level of training given to the stevedores, proper monitoring and supervision will be required whilst stevedores are on board. This will ensure that the stevedores are where they are supposed to be, are working safely and are operating equipment correctly. It does not mean telling stevedores how to do their job but ensures that potentially unsafe acts can be stopped prior to damage or an incident occurring. Therefore maintaining the obligation to care for people, the cargo and ship.

When working in an unfamiliar environment or with unfamiliar equipment the stevedores can pose not only a hazard to themselves but also to the ship and crew.

Some of the hazards that the stevedores and crew may face can be as a result of factors such as:

• improper use of ship’s equipment
• use of specialist equipment which would not usually be used for cargo operations
• poor working practices
• failure to use personal protective equipment (PPE)
• unauthorised entry in to restricted areas or enclosed spaces

These hazards can be reduced by measures such as:

• working closely with the stevedore foreman both prior to commencing and throughout cargo operations
• brief stevedores prior to commencing work to ensure they understand the operation of relevant ships equipment
• follow proper procedures relating to working practices such as working aloft
• ensuring all stevedores and crew are familiar with PPE requirements including any additional equipment relating to a particular cargo
• controlling access to restricted areas
• ensuring that all enclosed spaces are suitably identified and that the procedures for entering spaces is fully understood and the officer responsible has been identified.

There are already significant demands on crews during port calls. However, by applying these basic measures the vessel is more likely to complete the port call without serious incident.