Safe Boarding - Panama Canal
Friday 18 July 2008
The Panama Canal Authority issued Advisory to Shipping No. 15-2008 stating that it will hold its annual Safe Boarding Week 7-11 July 2008. Activities will include inspections of boarding facilities by teams representing groups that normally board vessels:
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) considers proper boarding facilities to be an absolute necessity to ensure the safety of their personnel, as well as others using these facilities while transiting the Canal. In order to promote awareness and compliance with Canal requirements by vessels in Canal waters, the ACP will hold its Annual “Safe Boarding Week” from July 7 through 11, 2008. During this period, the ACP will emphasize and encourage safe boarding practices on all vessels arriving at the waterway.
“Safe Boarding Week” activities will involve inspections of boarding facilities by teams representing groups who normally board vessels, such as canal port captains, pilots, transit vessel inspectors, chemists and emergency response personnel, admeasurers, deckhands as well as ship’s agents.
This year the ACP will continue promoting preventive measures that should be taken in order to avoid a tripping hazard created by the retrieving line attached to the pilot ladder, and the excess portion of the pilot ladders, which is very often laid out on deck. The ACP suggests that the use of a box-like structure be placed over the excess portion of the ladder to be utilized at the embarkation point on the deck. This will provide for a flat, non-slippery surface as persons transfer from the ladder to the deck of the vessel. This structure may be permanent or may be constructed so that it is lightweight and portable allowing for it to be used only as the situation warrants.
Vessels at both Cristobal and Balboa Anchorages will be boarded and inspections of their boarding facilities will be made using the enclosed inspection checklist. Vessels’ Masters will be provided with the results of the inspection. Those vessels deserving special recognition for excellence will be presented with plaques that will be delivered immediately after the inspection. Vessels with boarding facilities determined to be below acceptable standards, must correct the deficiencies prior to transit.
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