MF-001 · Free microlearning

Working Safely on Vessels & Around Water

General awareness for people working on or around New Zealand commercial maritime and fishing vessels. Your vessel, operation, task and operating area determine the controls and requirements that apply.

What you will learn

  • why ordinary tasks can change quickly on a moving vessel
  • how deck condition, gear, edges and vessel movement affect risk
  • how layered controls reduce person-overboard risk
  • when changing conditions mean work needs reassessing
  • why vessel procedures, skipper/operator instructions and practical drills come first.
Awareness, not a competency certificate: completing this module does not show that you can safely perform a task or emergency recovery. Practical training, drills, supervision, certification and competency assessment may still be required.
Lesson 2

Where this learning fits

Commercial maritime work sits within New Zealand's health and safety and maritime regulatory framework. HSWA duties apply to maritime work, while Maritime Rules set vessel and operational requirements where applicable.

  • Follow the vessel's approved or applicable safety system and operating procedures.
  • Follow the skipper/master and operator's instructions and your task-specific training.
  • Maritime Rules Part 23 contains operational-procedure and training requirements for ships within its scope, including emergency alarms, drills and onboard training.
  • Other Maritime Rules can apply depending on the vessel, operation, operating limits, equipment and crew.

NZQC does not determine which rules, certificates or endorsements apply to a particular vessel or person. Confirm requirements with the operator and Maritime New Zealand.

Lesson 3

A deck is a changing workplace

Water, fish, ice, oil, ropes and loose gear can create slip, trip or entanglement hazards. Vessel movement can turn a small loss of balance into a serious fall or person-overboard event.

Control the risk in layers

  • First look for ways to eliminate or reduce exposure to the hazard.
  • Keep decks, access routes, lines and gear managed as safely as practicable.
  • Use physical barriers, rails, bulwarks, designated safe zones and safe work methods where applicable.
  • Use suitable safety lines/harness systems where required and practicable.
  • Use required personal safety equipment, including appropriate flotation/location equipment for the operation.
  • Stay aware of hooks, moving gear, pinch/crush zones and vessel movement.
Remember: PPE is one layer of protection, not a substitute for controlling the hazard itself.
Lesson 4

Person overboard is a critical risk

Maritime New Zealand advises crews to identify vessel- and task-related hazards that could lead to a person overboard and to dynamically reassess risk when conditions change.

Good prevention includes

  • clean and tidy decks and good line/gear management
  • barriers and safe zones where practicable
  • safe work speed matched to conditions and crew capability
  • appropriate personal safety gear
  • knowing the vessel's actual person-overboard procedure
  • participating in required practical emergency drills.
Reporting matters: Maritime NZ's fishing guidance says a person-overboard incident or near miss must be notified to Maritime NZ. Make the scene safe and provide first aid first, then follow the vessel/operator reporting process and applicable statutory notification requirements.
Do not improvise a recovery method from this course. Know the alarm, equipment, recovery method and role assigned on your vessel.
Lesson 5

Conditions change — reassess the work

Sea state, weather, visibility, fatigue, vessel movement, equipment condition and the task itself can all change risk.

Pause and reassess when:

  • weather or sea conditions worsen
  • the deck or work area becomes less secure
  • equipment behaves unexpectedly or a control is unavailable
  • the method, vessel or fishing gear has changed
  • you are unsure of the procedure
  • you or another crew member may not be fit to perform the task safely.

Speak up early. Follow the vessel's reporting and command arrangements. Routine work does not stay safe automatically when conditions change.

Lesson 6

Stop · Think · Act

Scenario: You are preparing gear on deck. The sea has become rougher, loose line is moving across the working area, and the job is taking longer than expected.

What is the best response?

Lesson 7

Knowledge check

Answer all three correctly to complete this awareness module.

1. When should a familiar deck task be reassessed?

2. Which statement best describes person-overboard controls?

3. What does completing MF-001 demonstrate?