Working over the side
What is being checked
The inspector is checking whether the permit, risk assessment, isolations, competence and supervision create an effective control system for working over the side, and whether recent work followed that system.
Ready onboard
0/6 completePractice questions
Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.
1What makes this working over the side safe to start?
Confirm the approved permit, competent team and physical controls for fall arrest, buoyancy, rescue boat or recovery method, ship movement, weather, sea suction and discharge hazards, communications and security.
2Who can stop or suspend the permit?
Anyone may stop unsafe work. The authorising officer must suspend it if conditions, scope, personnel or simultaneous operations change.
3How are isolations proved?
Identify every energy source, isolate, lock and tag, dissipate stored energy and prove the safe state at the worksite.
4What change requires reassessment?
A change in scope, atmosphere, weather, equipment status, personnel, nearby operations or validity period requires suspension and review.
5Show that the last job was properly restored.
Trace permit closure to removal of tools and personnel, guard replacement, isolation removal, testing and operational handover.
Where an observation may arise
The risk assessment did not address fall arrest, buoyancy, rescue boat or recovery method, ship movement, weather, sea suction and discharge hazards, communications and security.
Physical inspection did not confirm rigging, stage or access is certified and secured, recovery is ready and relevant overboard discharges are stopped.
An energy source, stored pressure, gravity, temperature or automatic start was not isolated and proved safe.
The permit was expired, pre-signed, issued away from the worksite or inconsistent with the actual job.
A conflicting operation or permit was not identified and controlled.
The job was closed despite unsafe stage, active discharge, inadequate recovery, poor lighting or loss of communication.
Master's practical note
Audit one completed permit backwards from equipment restoration to initial isolation. Most weaknesses appear at scope change, shift handover or return to service rather than on the front page.
Equipment boundary and references
Equipment boundary: The permit is an administrative control and does not replace physical isolation, competent supervision or continuous reassessment at the worksite.
References
- OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 5.5.4
- ILO Code of Practice: Accident Prevention on Board Ship at Sea and in Port
Last reviewed: 2026-09-13