The motion of the ship can also induce seasickness in some individuals and this should be taken into account when assignments are arranged. Occupational Health can supply seasickness medication in such instances (care should be exercised when taking medication due to the possibility of drowsiness having a detrimental effect on safety). All accidents and incidents occurring at sea are to be reported to Rolls-Royce business HSE department, in addition to any local requirements to report to ship’s staff. It is the ship’s responsibility to report the incidents to the relevant authorities.

Transfer at sea should follow the international Maritime Organisation (IMO) requirements as a minimum.

• Wear a life preserver.
• The vessel should be suitable for its purpose, equipped with suitable lifesaving equipment and available for use.

A crew member, in addition to the helmsman, must be available to assist with the transfer.

• Use accommodation ladders (suspended gangway) rather than pilot ladders (rope ladder with wooden rungs). If you must use a pilot ladder:
  • Don’t descend too low – wait and observe the swell
  • Assess the sea state and transfer at the highest point of the swell
• Keep hold until you have safely stepped across – Don’t jump!
• Emergency recovery arrangements must be established prior to the transfer taking place.
• An adequate heaving line must be provided to transfer equipment on board.
• The field service representative has the right to abort the transfer if the sea state (in her/his opinion) is not acceptable.