Overview
The Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP) is published and produced by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It is endorsed by the National Maritime Occupational Health and Safety Committee, UK Chamber of Shipping, Nautilus International and the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) as best practice guidance for improving health and safety on board ship. It is intended primarily for merchant seafarers on UK-registered ships.
The latest edition of COSWP was released in September 2015. It’s content was subjected to a significant revamp at this time and it is now published as an A4 sized publication. Every Merchant seafarer should appraise themselves with the publication and its contents. Questions concerning COSWP make a regular appearance in both MCA oral and written examinations at all ranks.
Legal Status
It is a statutory requirement that seafarers are provided with the information necessary to ensure their health and safety. The MCA considers that on UK ships this means that all those with specific responsibilities for safety should have immediate access to COSWP, and that it should be readily available to all seafarers on board, e.g. a copy should be kept in the mess room. It should be provided in appropriate formats (e.g. electronic and hard copy) in sufficient quantity to ensure easy access. The Code should be supplemented by safety manuals, work instructions and other guidance issued by shipping companies for their particular ships, as appropriate.
Failing to follow the instructions and guidance contained within COSWP is not itself a criminal offence. However it may be used as evidence to support a criminal prosecution for an offence, particularly an offence committed under the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Health and Safety at Work) Regulations 1997. It is therefore advised in the strongest possible terms that the code should be followed in full at all times.
