Prevention of Fatalities and Serious Injuries During Weather Deck Operations in Heavy Weather
LIBERIA MARITIME AUTHORITY – Marine Advisory 24/2026
Subject: Risk Assessment, Voyage Planning, Work Authorization, and Safe Access Controls
Publication date: 30 October 2026
The Liberia Maritime Authority has issued Marine Advisory 24/2026 to reinforce the requirements for controlling personnel access to exposed weather decks during adverse weather conditions. The Advisory follows casualty investigations involving fatalities and serious injuries to crew members exposed to heavy seas, large waves, green water on deck, and dangerous vessel motions while carrying out inspections, checking securing arrangements, or investigating reported defects.
The Advisory highlights the importance of effective Safety Management System (SMS) procedures, voyage-specific risk assessment, heavy weather preparation, Master’s authorization, and practical controls to prevent unnecessary exposure of personnel to hazardous deck conditions.
Scope and Purpose of Marine Advisory 24/2026
Marine Advisory 24/2026 addresses the risks associated with personnel proceeding to exposed weather decks while a vessel is navigating in rough weather or when significant seas, swell, green water, and hazardous vessel motions may affect the safety of those working outside protected areas.
The Liberia Maritime Authority emphasizes that routine inspections, equipment checks, securing activities, and investigations of reported defects should not automatically proceed when weather conditions create an unacceptable risk to personnel.
Shipowners, operators, Masters, officers, and crew are reminded that hazard identification, risk assessment, and the implementation of effective control measures are essential elements of the vessel's Safety Management System.
Key Operational Principle
Access to exposed weather decks during heavy weather should be restricted unless it is necessary for the immediate safety of the vessel or persons onboard. Non-essential work should be postponed until conditions improve.
Weather Deck Casualties – Cases Highlighted by the Administration
The Administration reviewed multiple casualties involving personnel who proceeded to exposed deck areas while vessels remained underway in rough sea conditions. The reported events demonstrate how quickly weather deck operations can become life-threatening, even when the task initially appears limited or routine.
Case 1 – Fatal Injury During Inspection of Forecastle Equipment
A deck team proceeded forward to inspect securing arrangements and equipment condition during rough weather. While addressing a loose securing arrangement, a large wave broke over the bow and swept across the forecastle. Two crew members sustained serious injuries after being thrown against ship structures. One crew member subsequently died from the injuries sustained during the incident.
Case 2 – Fatal Injury During Forecastle Inspection in Heavy Seas
A deck team was authorized to inspect the vessel's forecastle following a period of rough weather. While preparing to return to the accommodation, a large wave struck the forecastle area. Although other personnel reached shelter, one crew member was unable to do so and sustained fatal injuries after being swept across the deck and into ship structures.
Case 3 – Multiple Casualties While Investigating Water Ingress
Following repeated bilge alarms, personnel proceeded to the forward area to investigate the source of seawater ingress while the vessel remained underway in rough sea conditions. After completing the inspection, personnel were apparently struck by a large wave while securing the area. One crew member died and two others sustained injuries requiring helicopter evacuation and medical treatment ashore.
Lessons from the Reported Casualties
The cases demonstrate that the risk does not end when the inspection or repair task is completed. Personnel remain exposed during movement across the deck, securing the work area, and returning to accommodation or shelter. Sudden wave impacts and changes in vessel motion can make an otherwise planned return route unsafe.
Key Safety Failures Identified by the Administration
The casualty investigations identified recurring weaknesses in operational planning, risk assessment, supervision, and control of access to exposed deck areas. The following deficiencies were highlighted in the Advisory:
Inadequate Risk Assessment
Risk assessments did not adequately consider actual weather conditions, vessel motion, wave impacts, or the possibility of large and unexpected waves.
Unnecessary Exposure
Non-essential inspections and equipment checks were conducted while vessels remained underway in adverse weather, without adequate evaluation of whether the work was necessary at that time.
Insufficient Heavy Weather Preparation
Equipment and securing arrangements were not always adequately checked and secured before the onset of heavy weather.
Inadequate Access Restrictions
Access to forecastles and exposed weather deck areas was not sufficiently controlled during heavy weather conditions.
Weak Supervision and Monitoring
Personnel working in exposed locations were not always subject to adequate monitoring, supervision, and communication arrangements.
Failure to Implement Controls
Safety measures identified during risk assessments were not always fully implemented and verified before personnel proceeded onto exposed decks.
Regulatory Framework and SMS Responsibilities
Marine Advisory 24/2026 refers to the applicable requirements and guidance under SOLAS, the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, Liberian Marine Notices, and the ILO Code of Practice.
SOLAS Chapter IX – Management for the Safe Operation of Ships
SOLAS Chapter IX provides for the application of the International Safety Management Code. The Advisory reinforces the importance of operating ships under an effective safety management system that addresses operational hazards and personnel safety.
ISM Code – Sections 1.2.2, 6, 7, 8 and 10
The referenced ISM Code provisions address the company's safety and environmental protection responsibilities, resources and personnel, development of plans for shipboard operations, emergency preparedness, and maintenance of the ship and equipment. These requirements support systematic identification and control of risks associated with weather deck operations.
Liberian Marine Notice INS-001
This Marine Notice is identified by the Administration as a relevant reference in relation to the investigation and prevention of marine casualties and the application of safety management controls.
Liberian Marine Notice MLC-005/3.3
This reference concerns the health and safety protection and accident prevention framework applicable to seafarers under the Maritime Labour Convention.
ILO Code of Practice – Accident Prevention on Board Ship at Sea and in Port
The ILO Code of Practice provides additional guidance on accident prevention and safe working practices for personnel serving on board ships.
Review and Implementation of Risk-Based SMS Procedures
Shipowners and operators should ensure that their SMS adequately addresses the hazards associated with access to exposed weather decks, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
The procedures should specifically consider the following activities and operational situations:
Forecastle Access During Heavy Weather
Procedures should identify the conditions under which access to the forecastle is prohibited or restricted, including circumstances involving green water, heavy seas, and significant vessel motions.
Operations on Exposed Weather Decks
The SMS should establish clear controls for work carried out in exposed locations, taking account of the vessel's condition, weather forecast, sea state, and operational circumstances.
Inspection of Securing Arrangements
Inspections of lashings, deck fittings, equipment, and securing arrangements should be planned and completed before entering expected heavy weather wherever practicable.
Investigation of Defects and Alarms
Procedures should distinguish between routine defects that can be investigated later and situations requiring immediate action to protect the vessel or persons onboard.
Bow Areas and Green Water Exposure
Particular attention should be given to forward deck areas susceptible to green water, wave impact, and hazardous vessel motions.
Emergency Response on Exposed Decks
Emergency arrangements should consider the additional risks associated with accessing exposed areas during heavy weather and identify practicable alternatives where possible.
Procedures Must Define When Work Is Not Permitted
The SMS should clearly identify circumstances in which access to exposed weather decks is prohibited and specify the conditions under which inspections or other work activities must be postponed.
Heavy Weather Preparation and Voyage Planning
Effective preparation before the onset of heavy weather is a primary means of reducing the need for personnel to undertake hazardous work on exposed decks while the vessel is underway.
Pre-Departure and Pre-Heavy Weather Checks
Ensure that equipment, stores, mooring arrangements, lashings, and deck fittings are inspected and properly secured before the vessel encounters expected heavy weather.
Watertight and Weathertight Integrity
Verify the vessel's watertight and weathertight integrity before weather conditions deteriorate.
Voyage-Specific Weather Review
Conduct voyage-specific reviews when heavy weather is forecast, considering the anticipated conditions and the potential impact on planned operations.
Postponement of Non-Essential Work
Consider whether inspections, repairs, and equipment checks can be delayed until weather conditions improve.
Minimizing Personnel Exposure
Plan operations to minimize the need for personnel to access exposed weather decks while the vessel is underway in adverse weather.
Control of Weather Deck Access and Work Authorization
The Advisory places particular emphasis on controlling access to exposed weather deck areas during adverse weather. The decision to send personnel onto an exposed deck must be based on operational necessity and a documented assessment of the risks.
Restrict Access
Restrict access to exposed weather deck areas during adverse weather, except when access is necessary for the immediate safety of the vessel or persons onboard.
Documented Risk Assessment
Require a documented risk assessment before authorizing personnel to access exposed deck areas during heavy weather.
Master's Approval
Ensure that the Master's approval is obtained before personnel proceed onto exposed weather decks during heavy weather.
Continuous Communication
Maintain continuous communication with personnel working on deck and ensure that reliable communication arrangements are in place.
Safe Shelter and Retreat
Ensure personnel have immediate access to suitable shelter and safe retreat routes, taking account of the conditions that may develop during the task.
Verification Before Work
Confirm that all mitigating measures identified during the risk assessment have been implemented before work commences.
Work Authorization Is Not a Substitute for Risk Control
Authorization by itself does not make an unsafe operation acceptable. The decision must be supported by an adequate assessment of the prevailing conditions, the necessity of the task, available alternatives, and the effectiveness of the proposed safeguards.
Personal Protective Equipment and Additional Safety Measures
Where access to exposed deck areas is considered necessary and the risks can be reduced to an acceptable level, the Advisory calls for appropriate personal protective equipment and additional safety arrangements.
Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
Ensure that suitable PPE is provided and used by personnel undertaking the authorized work.
Safety Harnesses and Lifelines
Verify that safety harnesses and lifelines are used whenever required by the risk assessment or company procedures.
Emergency Withdrawal Procedures
Confirm that personnel understand the emergency withdrawal arrangements and know when and how to abandon the task and return to shelter.
Designated Lookout and Monitoring
Establish designated lookout and monitoring arrangements when personnel are required to work in exposed locations.
Implementation of Mitigating Measures
Verify that all safety measures identified during the risk assessment are in place before personnel proceed onto the deck.
PPE and safety equipment should be considered as additional protective measures. They do not remove the underlying hazards associated with green water, wave impact, or severe vessel motion, and they cannot justify proceeding with a task when the residual risk remains unacceptable.
Crew Awareness, Stop-Work Authority and Safe Practices
The Liberia Maritime Authority emphasizes that personnel must understand the dangers associated with working on exposed weather decks during heavy weather and must be empowered to stop work when conditions become unsafe.
Acceptable Risk Level
No task should proceed if the identified risks cannot be reduced to an acceptable level.
Understanding Weather Deck Hazards
Ensure personnel understand the dangers associated with green water on deck, vessel motion, and unexpected wave impacts.
Stop-Work Authority
Encourage personnel to exercise stop-work authority whenever conditions change or the risks associated with the operation increase.
Reporting Unsafe Conditions
Promote the immediate reporting of unsafe conditions and concerns relating to weather deck operations.
Supervision, Training and Safety Management Oversight
The Advisory also highlights the importance of training, officer supervision, and continued oversight of weather deck access controls.
Onboard Training
Include heavy weather deck safety in onboard training programmes to ensure that personnel understand the hazards and required precautions.
Officer Responsibilities
Reinforce the responsibility of officers to evaluate weather-related risks before authorizing work on exposed decks.
Toolbox Talks
Conduct toolbox talks addressing wave impact hazards, vessel motion, escape routes, communication arrangements, and emergency response procedures.
Audits, Inspections and Safety Meetings
Include weather deck access controls in onboard audits, inspections, drills, and safety meetings to verify that procedures are understood and implemented.
Required Actions to Prevent Recurrence
Marine Advisory 24/2026 identifies seven actions for shipowners, operators, Masters, and officers to strengthen the prevention of fatalities and serious injuries during weather deck operations:
1. Review SMS Procedures
Review Safety Management System procedures governing access to weather decks during adverse weather.
2. Conduct Risk-Based Assessments
Conduct risk-based assessments before authorizing personnel to proceed to exposed deck areas.
3. Complete Heavy Weather Securing Activities
Ensure heavy weather securing activities are completed before entering forecast heavy weather.
4. Postpone Non-Essential Work
Postpone non-essential inspections and repairs until weather conditions improve.
5. Establish Communication and Monitoring
Implement effective communication and monitoring arrangements for personnel working on deck.
6. Verify Risk Mitigation Measures
Ensure that all mitigation measures identified during risk assessments are implemented and verified.
7. Share Lessons Learned and Maintain Records
Circulate lessons learned throughout the fleet and maintain records of corrective actions.
Technical and Operational Considerations for Ship Operators
The casualty cases and preventive measures highlighted in Marine Advisory 24/2026 demonstrate that weather deck safety must be addressed through the combined application of voyage planning, operational risk assessment, effective supervision, and clear authority to restrict access.
Particular attention should be given to the distinction between an operational task that is necessary for the immediate safety of the vessel and an inspection or maintenance activity that can safely be postponed. A reported defect, loose securing arrangement, or equipment alarm should be assessed in terms of its actual urgency and the consequences of delaying intervention.
Where a task cannot be postponed, the decision-making process should consider the prevailing and forecast weather, vessel motion, location of the work, exposure to green water, available shelter, escape routes, communication arrangements, personnel competence, and the effectiveness of all proposed control measures.
The Master's authorization should be supported by a documented risk assessment and confirmation that the required safeguards are in place. If conditions deteriorate, the planned controls become ineffective, or the risk cannot be reduced to an acceptable level, the operation should not proceed or should be stopped.
SMS Implementation Focus
Ship operators should verify that the requirements of the Advisory are reflected in practical onboard procedures, heavy weather checklists, risk assessment forms, work authorization arrangements, toolbox talks, and internal audit programmes. The objective is not simply to document compliance, but to ensure that personnel are not exposed to avoidable hazards while carrying out non-essential work.
Official Regulatory Reference
Liberia Marine Advisory 24/2026
Issuing Authority: Liberia Maritime Authority
Publication date: 30 October 2026
Subject: Prevention of Fatalities and Serious Injuries During Weather Deck Operations in Heavy Weather – Risk Assessment, Voyage Planning, Work Authorization, and Safe Access Controls.
References:
(a) SOLAS Chapter IX
(b) ISM Code Sections 1.2.2, 6, 7, 8 and 10
(c) Liberian Marine Notice INS-001
(d) Liberian Marine Notice MLC-005/3.3
(e) ILO Code of Practice: Accident Prevention on Board Ship at Sea and in Port
The complete Marine Advisory is available from the Liberia Maritime Authority through the official document link below.
Conclusion
The Liberia Maritime Authority reminds ship operators that fatalities and serious injuries associated with weather deck operations during heavy weather are preventable. Effective SMS procedures, proper heavy weather preparation, robust risk assessment, and strict control of personnel access to exposed deck areas are essential to preventing recurrence.
The central safety message of Marine Advisory 24/2026 is clear: personnel should not be exposed to heavy weather hazards for inspections or other work that can be postponed. Where access is necessary for the immediate safety of the vessel or persons onboard, the operation must be carefully assessed, authorized, supervised, and supported by effective protective measures.
Shipowners and operators should review their existing procedures and verify that the requirements and lessons highlighted in this Advisory are effectively communicated and implemented throughout their fleets.