Tidy ship, safe voyage: Preserving steel, deck structures, and operational areas onboard

Keeping a ship clean and well-maintained is essential for safety, efficiency, and longevity. Regular inspections and proper care of key areas prevent accidents and extend the life of your vessel.

Use the following quick-check guide to maintain a tidy, safe ship, based on information from The American P&I Club, as featured in its Pocket Guide for Good Housekeeping Onboard. The Club emphasizes: “The appearance of your ship and its equipment on the outside reflects how well things are operating on the inside, and, more importantly, contributes to the health, safety, and well-being of both the vessel and its crew.”

Good housekeeping is not limited to just cleanliness. It encompasses organization and maintenance, utilizing space efficiently, decreasing fire hazards and reducing exposure to hazardous substances. 

Regular cleaning, inspection, and proper storage protect both crew and vessel. By keeping steel, decks, operational areas, and equipment in top condition, every voyage becomes safer and more efficient.

1. Steel Structures

Check for:

• Rust spots
• Wastage or weakened steel

Quick Tasks:

• Scale and clean steel surfaces regularly.
• Apply protective coatings and paint.
• Maintain coatings to prevent rust while improving ship appearance.

Warning: Ignoring rust can lead to structural damage and costly repairs.

2. Paint Locker

Check for:

• Uncovered paint cans or containers
• Materials not secured for heavy weather

Quick Tasks:

• Cover paint containers to reduce fumes.
• Ensure proper ventilation.
• Store materials securely to prevent spills and hazards.

Warning: Improper storage can cause fumes, fire hazards, or wasted paint.

3. Ladders and Stairs

Check for:

• Wet, oily, greasy, or dusty residues
• Obstructions in access areas

Quick Tasks:

• Clean and degrease regularly.
• Dry wet areas immediately.
• Apply nonskid coatings where slippery.
• Keep ladders and stairways clear of materials.

Warning: Slips and trips are a leading cause of onboard injuries.

4. Laundry Room

Check for:

• Lint buildup in filters/screens or behind dryers
• Proper electrical connections

Quick Tasks:

• Clean lint screens before or after each load.
• Remove lint around dryer drums.
• Conduct periodic electrical inspections as recommended.

Warning: Lint buildup can cause fire hazards and reduce dryer efficiency.

5. On Deck

Check for:

• Unlabeled vents and exhausts
• Cleats, bitts, pad eyes, and obstructions
• Unsafe standing areas

Quick Tasks:

• Use stencils to label vents and exhausts.
• Paint and highlight obstructions in walking paths.
• Mark snap-back areas clearly.
• Maintain safe standing areas with visible markings.

Warning: Poorly marked decks increase the risk of accidents.

6. Oxygen and Acetylene Cylinders

Check for:

• Improper storage
• Missing protective valve caps

Quick Tasks:

• Store cylinders upright in separate lockers, at least 5 ft apart.
• Ensure a fire division boundary between oxygen and acetylene.
• Secure cylinders for sea conditions.
• Always keep valve caps in place.

source : safety4sea