Course Content
Course Overview and Objectives
This topic introduces the objectives and scope of the PSSR course and explains its importance for seafarers.
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Course Overview and Objectives
Shipboard Safety and Work Practices
This topic focuses on the importance of safe working practices onboard ships. It explains how seafarers can identify hazards, follow safety procedures, and adopt correct work methods to prevent accidents and injuries while working at sea.
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Shipboard Safety and Work Practices
Applying Safety Procedures Onboard
This topic focuses on the practical application of safety procedures during shipboard operations and the importance of following established rules to maintain a safe working environment.
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Applying Safety Procedures Onboard
Understanding Ship Structure and Work Areas
This topic explains the basic structure of a ship, important work areas onboard, and commonly used shipboard terms to help seafarers understand their working environment.
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Understanding Ship Structure and Work Areas
Different Ship Types and Cargo Handling Methods
This topic introduces the various types of ships used in the maritime industry and explains the nature of cargoes they carry, along with a basic understanding of cargo handling operations onboard.
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Different Ship Types and Cargo Handling Methods
General Cargo Vessels and Their Role
This topic explains the features of general cargo ships, the types of cargo they carry, and the basic operational practices followed during cargo handling onboard.
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General Cargo Vessels and Their Role
Multi-Functional Cargo Ships
This topic explains the design and operational features of multi-functional cargo ships, their ability to carry different types of cargo, and the basic cargo handling practices followed onboard.
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Multi-Functional Cargo Ships
Bulk Cargo Ships and Their Operations
This topic explains the design, characteristics, and development of bulk carrier ships, along with the nature of solid bulk cargo transported by these vessels.
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Bulk Cargo Ships and Their Operations
Ro-Ro Ships
This topic explains the concept and design of Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ships, the types of wheeled and tracked cargo they carry, and the cargo handling arrangements such as ramps and deck configurations used onboard.
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Ro-Ro Ships
Overview of Oil Tanker Vessels
This topic explains the different types of oil tankers, their classification based on cargo and size, special tanker operations, and the structural features designed to ensure safety during the transportation of liquid cargo.
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Overview of Oil Tanker Vessels
Combination Carriers (Ore–Bulk–Oil Carriers)
Combination carriers are specially designed merchant ships capable of transporting different types of cargo such as ore, dry bulk, and oil at different stages of their voyage. These ships provide operational flexibility by allowing ship operators to avoid empty return voyages and improve overall efficiency.
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Combination Carriers (Ore–Bulk–Oil Carriers)
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)

Applying Safety Procedures Onboard

Safe working practices onboard ships are governed by established safety guidelines such as the Code of Safe Working Practices for Seafarers. These guidelines exist to ensure that all personnel work in a safe manner and understand their responsibility towards their own safety as well as the safety of others onboard. Ships operate under strict regulations and procedures, and safe operations are possible only when these practices are consistently followed by everyone.

Every seafarer has a duty to act responsibly while carrying out shipboard tasks. This includes taking reasonable care to avoid actions or omissions that could cause harm to themselves, fellow crew members, the vessel, or the environment. Cooperation with officers and personnel responsible for health and safety is essential to ensure that risks are identified and controlled effectively.

Key Responsibilities of Seafarers

  • Take reasonable care for personal health and safety and for others who may be affected by their actions

  • Cooperate with officers and safety personnel while performing health and safety duties

  • Follow control measures identified during company and shipboard risk assessments

  • Immediately report serious hazards, unsafe conditions, or deficiencies to the appropriate officer

  • Use plant, machinery, tools, and equipment correctly and responsibly

  • Handle hazardous substances with due care and caution

Safe working practices apply to all crew members, regardless of rank or department. Even personnel not directly involved in a particular task should remain aware of ongoing operations to avoid unnecessary interference that could place themselves or others at risk.

Everyday shipboard operations such as cargo handling, engine room maintenance, tank entry, pumping operations, berthing, and unberthing involve complex interactions between people, machinery, materials, and the working environment. These operations often take place under constantly changing conditions at sea, in port, or in shipyards, increasing the level of risk involved.

Failure to follow established procedures or standard operating practices, even for a short period, can result in serious incidents such as fires, flooding, injuries, loss of life, damage to the vessel, and pollution of the marine environment. Therefore, safe working practices must be treated as an essential part of daily shipboard life.

Developing a Safety Mindset Onboard

  • Conducting risk assessments before starting any task

  • Identifying hazards present in the work area

  • Following safety procedures in accordance with the Safety Management System (ISM Code)

  • Understanding personal precautions required for specific jobs

  • Being aware of individual rights and responsibilities under the Code of Safe Working Practices

  • Reporting violations of safe working practices, including health and hygiene issues

One of the basic requirements for maintaining safety onboard is wearing appropriate attire suitable for the task being performed. Proper clothing and protective equipment play a crucial role in preventing injuries and reducing exposure to hazards.

Appropriate Work Attire and Equipment

  • High-visibility clothing

  • Lifejackets or immersion suits

  • Gloves

  • Overalls

  • Non-slip and anti-static safety footwear with toe protection

  • Safety helmets

  • Ear and eye protection

  • Safety harnesses

  • Intrinsically safe torches or working lights for hazardous or flammable environments

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