What Edition 3 actually requires of you
The Workboat Code Edition 3 came into force on 13 December 2023. Under it, every small commercial workboat needs a Safety Management System. Everything below is quoted from the Code itself - with its section reference - never paraphrased, never a verdict.
Workboat Code Edition 3, Appendix 8, section 1.1
“A Safety Management System shall include the following:”
- 1Safety and Environmental Protection Policy
- 2Risk Assessment for Safe Working
- 3Health and Safety Protection Policy
- 4responsibilities of the Master and Personnel
- 5training of Personnel
- 6procedures to ensure safe operation of a vessel
- 7emergencies
- 8reporting of accidents
- 9maintenance of the vessel and equipment
- 10review
Quoted verbatim from the Workboat Code.
SMS Workboat gives you a home for each of these - and the record to prove it. A closer look at four:
Workboat Code Edition 3, Appendix 8, section 6
The vessel owner/operator shall, in relation to each vessel owned by it or for which it has operational responsibility, designate a person ashore who shall be responsible for monitoring the safe operation of the vessel and, so far as it may affect safety, the efficient operation of the vessel.
Workboat Code Edition 3, Appendix 8, section 7
All personnel shall receive training appropriate to the tasks they undertake. Prior to the first occasion of working on the vessel, each worker must receive appropriate familiarisation training and proper instruction in on board procedures.
Workboat Code Edition 3, Appendix 8, section 10
Exercises shall be carried out in the handling of the identified emergency situations and evacuation from the vessel. The exercises shall be recorded. The names of those who participated shall also be recorded.
Workboat Code Edition 3, Appendix 8, section 12
The vessel owner/operator shall develop documented procedures for a more detailed inspection and maintenance program for the vessel and its equipment. The frequency of the required inspection and maintenance shall be determined by the vessel owner/operator. All inspections and maintenance activities shall be recorded.
Source: the on-file Workboat Code Edition 3 and MGN 710 (M). Nova quotes these same clauses when you ask it - it cites the section and never rules whether you comply. That’s your surveyor’s call.