Person overboard procedures should always be
Followed Immedieately
even if the person initially seems responsive
Emergencies happen fast
Working in the commercial seafood industry can involve serious risks, particularly when working near water, equipment, or in challenging conditions. Incidents can escalate quickly, leaving little time to react, which is why recognising hazards early and responding effectively is critical to preventing serious injuries and fatalities.
Preventing person overboard
Several practical measures can help reduce the risk of person overboard incidents and improve survival outcomes if someone enters the water unexpectedly.
- Wear lifejackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs)
- when working on deck or in exposed areas
- Improve lifejacket visibility using reflective tape, lights, or high-visibility materials
- Use safety harnesses and safety lines when working at height or near exposed edges
- Secure gear, ropes, and equipment when not in use
- Never work over the side of a vessel unless the gear is stable and cannot pull or drag someone overboard
- Assess weather and sea conditions before working on exposed decks or high-risk tasks
Resources
Sea Safe has developed a series of training tools to support business owners, supervisors and team members.
These resources should be customised for your situation. They are most effective when they are used regularly and linked to real work activities and operational risks.
- Pocket Guide
Download copies to use in your Tookbox Talks and hand out to team members. This Pocket Guide is a short, practical reference for team members to keep on hand.
- Poster
Download copies to use to use around the workplace reminding team members of important safety messages.
- Guide to leading a toolbox talk
This document is designed to help business owners, supervisors and team leaders deliver a Toolbox Talk; a short, practical, and action-focused conversation between team members.
- Communication Campaign
This guide has been developed to help seafood businesses organise and roll out safety related communications to their staff. It includes social media posts, text messages, and newsletter content businesses can customise for their own situation and context.
- Stickers
Download copies to use around the workplace reminding team members of important safety messages.
Become a safety advocate
Sea Safe’s Safety Advocates prioritize safety, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their work and return home safely. This guide helps Safety Advocates to reduce risks across the commercial seafood industry. Get in touch with us to become a Safety Advocate.