Following industry and stakeholder feedback, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) amended the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP).
While continuing to provide crucial information to the seafaring community, the code’s language, design, and structure have been modernised, making the code’s contents useful while remaining simple and obvious.
The Code of Safe Working Practices (COSWP) Code details the regulatory framework for health and safety on board, safety management and statutory duties underlying the advice in the Code, and the areas that should be covered when introducing a recruit to the safety procedures on board, aspiring to provide guidance on improving health and safety on vessels and also articulates how statutory obligations should be fulfilled, aiming primarily for merchant seafarers on UK-registered ships.
The code’s physical format has also changed, from loose-leaf to bound copy, making it easier to obtain the most recent information.
A sample of the updated code was submitted for consultation at the end of last year, and the new version was officially launched today following a generally positive reaction.
The Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers is such an important tool, and we’re excited to finally share the latest version, MCA Chief Executive Virginia McVea said.
It has been our constant aim to reflect industry feedback and address concerns, ensuring the best version of the code is available to all that need it. There are real benefits that come with this new version – most importantly it’s more accessible and easy to use. It’s mandatory for UK ships to carry COSWP, and we are sure this new edition will be easier for seafarers to get the information they need, Virginia McVea added.