SAFETY, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL (SHE) AUDIT CHECKLIST

FOR NON-NERC VESSELS

On behalf of the
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL

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 Contents

A. INTRODUCTION
A.1 Scope of the Audit
A.2 Key to Checklist and Audit Basis

B. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PLANNED SCIENCE TO BE PLANNED

C. CONCLUSIONS FROM AUDIT

D. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

E. SAFETY, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL (SHE) MANAGEMENT

E.1 Contract Terms
E.2 Contractors Corporate SHE Management System
E.3 Ships SHE Management System
E.4 Training

F. SECURITY
F.1 ISPS Code security requirements

G. WORK PROCEDURES AND EQUIPMENT

G.1 Working Area
G.2 Equipment – Cables
G.3 Equipment – Air Guns
G.4 Winches and electrical systems
G.5 Other systems
G.6 Laboratories/Instrument Rooms

H. SHIPS PROCEDURES AND EQUIPMENT

H.1 General
H.2 Rescue craft and workboats
H.3 Accommodation
H.4 Galley/Food Stores
H.5 Engine Room
H.6 Compressor Room
H.7 Workshops and storage areas
H.8 Other machinery spaces (winch rooms)

I. EMERGENCY RESPONSE CAPABILITIES

I.1 Ships Safety Equipment and Procedures
I.2 Fire Precautions/Fighting
I.3 Medical and Health

J. GENERAL SHIP MANAGEMENT

J.1 Environment Protection
J.2 Stability and Construction
J.3 Navigation and Instruments
J.4 Ships certificates
J.5 Equipment Certificates and Inspections

K. PHOTOGRAPHS

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Summary Information
Client

Client representative on board

Vessel Owner

Vessel Name

Flag

Port of Registry

Flag State Authority

Builders/year built/where built

Last dry dock/where

Classification Society

Class

Tonnage gross/net

Engines/power

Length o/a

Master

Safety Officer and Rank

Ship Security Officer and Rank

Number of crew, ship/scientific

Total accommodation

Audit commissioned by

Auditors Name/Company

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A. INTRODUCTION
A.1 Scope of the Audit

The audit is designed to:

i) review what is seen on the vessel against what is published by the company
being audited

ii) assess the SHE management system for effectiveness of design and its
implementation in shipboard operations

iii) determine the suitability of the vessel for NERC use with regards to SHE
protection

Audit findings should be supported by evidence taken from industry recognised

standards.

Industry recognised standards include:

i) Any specific references to safety, health and the environment in the contract

ii) International Safety Management (ISM) Code

iii) Safety of Life at Sea Regulations (SOLAS 73/78) and MARPOL 73/78

iv) International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code

In addition, the following references are also reviewed and evidence provided from:

v) The contractor's own manuals and the SHE Plan for the specific vessel/s and
project.

vi) Applicable industrial advice.

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A.2 KEY TO CHECKLIST AND AUDIT BASIS

The following checklist is used to assist in assessing vessels to a common standard.

KEY:

The following grades are used for the guidance of those who commission the audit:

0 : SATISFACTORY, NO ACTION REQUIRED

1 : The subject presents an immediate hazard to those working or living nearby, or is

illegal.
IT SHOULD BE CORRECTED BEFORE ANY FURTHER WORK IS DONE

2 : The subject does not comply with the client's contractual standards; will be a hazard
when in use; may be below standard due to current work or port call and will be
corrected when the port call is over; there is a design fault that makes it more hazardous
than necessary; information on use or procedure is dangerous, or could be to a better
standard, or is not available.
IT SHOULD BE CORRECTED/CHANGED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,
CERTAINLY DURING THE NEXT PORT CALL

3 : Procedure, design, placement, control etc., could be handled better; industry standards
are generally better in this area.
DESIRABLE TO CHANGE WHEN TIME AVAILABLE

N/A: not applicable to this operation,

N/S: not seen/checked during audit due to time or other constraints

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B. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PLANNED SCIENCE TO BE
UNDERTAKEN ON VESSEL:

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C. CONCLUSIONS FROM AUDIT:

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D. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

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 E. SHE MANAGEMENT

E.1 Contract Terms

E.2 Contractor's Corporate SHE Management System

E.3 Ship's SHE Management System

Item Question 
1. Is there a ship’s SHE Plan
2. Is there a project SHE Plan
3. Do these plans make the major hazards clear
4. Are hazards in the above documents referenced to control procedures
5. Are named persons responsible for the control procedures
6. Is the Principal Scientists responsible for operations SHE, in writing?????
7. Are all supervisors aware of their responsibilities in writing
8. Is there a procedure for joining the ship, e.g. safety tour
9. Are SHE meetings held at least monthly at senior level
10. Are minutes kept with decisions/designated persons noted
11. Do all personnel on board attend some form of periodic SHE meeting
12. Are accidents and near misses recorded
13. Are recommendations made for prevention of recurrence
Is there a risk management system, with all hazards reported, assessed and
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controlled
15. Is there a remedial work plan (RWP) or action point list
16. Is there SHE information specific to the ship
17. Is the muster list posted
18. Is the muster list up to date with emergency positions
19. Are crew organisation charts maintained
20. Is a cross-auditing system in place
21. Is unsafe act auditing carried out
22. Are all audit reports (client, management and cross-) available on file
23. Is one person appointed to be SHE Adviser
24. Has he/she been on an industry SHE Management course
25. Does he/she have a clear list of duties
26. Is there a Permit to Work system
27. Is there a “lock-out/tag-out” for working on equipment
28. Can all personnel communicate in the ship’s working language

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E.4 Training

Item Question 
1. Is training a regular part of the routine
2. Is there a training matrix for all personnel
3. Has the training in the matrix been achieved
4. Are certificates of attendance at training available
5. Are 75% of all persons on board trained in safety and survival at sea
6. Is there a list of those on board who have not attended a survival course
Is there a trained fire fighting team, experienced in the use of Self Contained
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Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
8. Is diver training applicable; has it been carried out
Are there at least two crewmembers with Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) coxswains
9.
certificates if applicable
10. Has training been carried out for work boat coxswains and crewmen
11. Has crane and winch operation training been carried out

F. SECURITY

F.1 ISPS Code security requirements

1. Who is the Company Security Officer (CSO)

2. Does the ship have security on the gangway
3. Are regular security inspections conducted
4. Are regular security drills conducted
5. Are searches of goods and personnel conducted
6. Does the ship have security clearances for the last ten ports

G. WORKING PROCEDURES AND EQUIPMENT

G.1 Working Area

Item Question 
1. Are there substantial guards across the stern and other ‘overside’ areas
Are there working lifejackets with a planned maintenance systems and regular
2.
testing
3. Are areas marked for the use of safety lines and harnesses
4. Are there adequate safety harness location points
5. Are safety harnesses freely available and in good condition
6. Are walking surfaces non-slip and trip hazards clearly marked
7. Are hard hats available for overhead hazards
8. Are safety boots worn as standard
9. Are warning/instruction signs posted
10. Is there a “man overboard” alarm at the stern
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Item Question 
11. Are there emergency stops and are these operating close by deck working areas
12. Can the operator see all personnel when deploying equipment
13. Is there good communication with the laboratories and bridge
14. Is there good communication with the deployment area
15. Is there an emergency escape ladder located at the stern

G.2 Equipment – Wires and Cables

Item Question 
1. Are all cables in good condition and inspected regularly
2. Is there a test certificate record available
3. Is there a record of use book available
4. Are there instruction manuals available

G.3 Equipment – Electrical Cables

Item Question 
1. Are electrical cables in good condition
2. Is PAT testing undertaken
3. Are instructions as to electrical safety posted
4. Are cables tidied away to prevent tripping hazards
5. Are all cables properly earthed/protected
6. Are electrical systems protected by RCDs
7. Are there remote indications for power on cables
8. Is there a lone worker policy on high voltage equipment
9. Are instructions posted for first aid response to electric shock
10. Are electrically “floating” units properly earthed
11. Do wiring and electrical circuits conform to safe practice

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G.4 Equipment – Seismic systems

Item Question 
1. Are all controls clearly marked
2. Are all controls consistent in style and movement
3. Are all high-pressure air hoses safely secured
4. Do compressed air systems have emergency stops; date last tested
5. Are guns secured against excessive movement when on board
Is the vessel familiar with Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for seismic
6.
work

G.5 Winches and Electrical Systems

Item Question 
1. Are all winch controls centre-sprung to “off”
2. Are all winch controls clearly marked and consistent with direction of travel
3. Are all winches properly guarded
4. Do remote operated winches have guards, warning signs/beacons?

G.6 Systems - General

Item Question 
1. Is there a written system for deployment/recovery of airguns
2. Is there a written system for the deployment/recovery of cables
3. Is there a written system for the deployment/recovery of other in-water equipment
4. Is there a written system for working on deployed equipment
5. Are there adequate locking arrangements on cable reels
Does all the rigging conform to safe practice, and is there a planned maintenance
6.
system and record
7. Is there a planned maintenance system for all in-water equipment
8. Is all lifting equipment tested and certificated

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G.7 Laboratories/Instrument Rooms

Item Question 
1. Are there two exits and access kept clear
2. Is paper cleared daily
3. If smoking is permitted, are ash trays available
4. Are there sufficient suitable fire extinguishers
5. Is there good communication with the working decks
6. Can the remote equipment be stopped quickly, are the switches clearly marked
7. Are emergency power cut-off switches clearly marked
8. Are electrical cables and hydraulic hoses kept out of the working area

H. SHIP'S PROCEDURES AND EQUIPMENT

H.1 General

Item Question 
1. Is the gangway properly rigged with netting and fire plan
2. Is access to the vessel adequately controlled
3. Are all shore-side contractors supervised by ship’s personnel
4. Is there a planned maintenance system for all deck equipment
Are windlasses and anchoring equipment on good condition and regularly turned
5.
and greased
6. Are all personnel properly equipped for working with cranes and other lifting plant
7. Do cranes and lifting beams have Safe Working Loads (SWL) marked
8. Is all lifting hear marked with SWL and registered
9. Are operators trained/experienced, are records kept.
10. Do crane control positions provide a clear view of operations
Is all rigging (wires, blocks, shackles, hooks and anchor points) in good condition
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and conforming to safe practice
12. Are open hatches roped off
13. Are all passageways roped off below open hatches
14. Is a helideck fitted and if so is it to be used on this contract
15. Are there qualified/experienced people available
16. Are walking surfaces non-slip, with trip and overhead hazards clearly marked
17. Do wiring and electrical circuits conform to safe practice
18. Are there signs for ‘man aloft’ in respect of radar
19. Is equipment stored on deck well lashed
20. Are there special hazardous materials storage areas and clearly marked

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H.2 Rescue Craft and Work Boats

Item Question 
1. Is there a recovery craft (FRC) and work boat
2. Is the FRC fitted with two engines
3. Is there an emergency kit ready for rapid use
4. Do the designated teams practise
5. Is the FRC regularly started and ready to go
6. Are there written procedures for all small boat operations
7. Are communications with rescue and work boats adequate
8. Is the work boat supported by another craft/vessel when working

H.3 Accommodation

Item Question 
1. Are emergency instructions posted in all cabins/all languages
2. Are ashtrays available
3. Are there smoke detectors
4. Are there lifejackets for each bunk
5. Are there Immersion Suits in each cabin
6. Are General Arrangement and Fire Plans posted
7. Are escape routes clearly marked

H.4 Galley/Food Stores

Item Question 
1. Is there a First Aid kit, fire blanket and extinguisher
2. Do staff have medical checks
3. Is the galley, associated stores and mess areas kept clean
4. Are there any notable hazards (shelving, flooring, etc)
5. Do fridges/coolers have safety locks/shut in alarms
6. Do fridges/Freezers have thermometers; are temperatures correct
7. Are staff aware of contamination and cross-contamination hazards
8. Are foodstuffs in-date

H.5 Engine Room

Item Question 
1. Is there a planned maintenance system for all machinery and list of spares
2. Are ear defenders available and worn

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Item Question 
3. Are there emergency alarm panels
4. Are there two exists clearly marked
5. Is there a smoke/fire detector linked to the main panel on the Bridge
6. Are walking surfaces non-slip and trip hazards clearly marked
7. Is all machinery safely guarded
8. Is there a ‘lone worker’ system
9. Is all garbage properly contained in non-combustible containers with lids
10. Are flammable substances under control
11. Is proper solvent available for parts washing
12. Are emergency shut-offs for fuel and ventilators clearly marked
13. Is there routine maintenance and testing of emergency fire pump and generator
Is the Chief Engineer aware of any defects in main or standby machinery alarms,
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control or detection systems
15. Are bilges clean and clear of debris
16. Are there Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBD) available

H.6 Compressor Room (if fitted)

Item Question 
1. Are ear defenders available and worn
2. Are there emergency alarm beacons
3. Are there two exits clearly marked
4. Is there a smoke/fire detector linked to the main panel on the Bridge
5. Are walking surfaces non-slip and trip hazards clearly marked
6. Is all machinery safely guarded
7. Are all high pressure air hoses safely secured
8. Is there a ‘lone worker’ system
9. Are flammable substances under control
10. Is proper solvent available for parts washing

H.7 Workshops and Storage Areas

Item Question 
1. Are flammable substances under control
2. Is the correct protective clothing and equipment available
3. Is the space tidy
4. Are all chemicals properly packed, labelled, with data sheets
5. Are compressed gas bottles correctly stowed and marked
Do battery storage areas have protective equipment and procedures and
6.
precautions displayed
7. Are there correct extinguishers for lithium batteries

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Item Question 
8. Do all bench and portable machines have suitable guards and safety locks

H.8 Other Machinery Spaces (Winchrooms etc.)

Item Question 
1. Are flammable substances under control
2. Is the correct protective clothing and equipment available
3. Are ear defenders available and worn
4. Is there a planned maintenance system for all machinery and list of spares
5. Is the space tidy
6. Are there emergency alarm panels
7. Are there two exists clearly marked
8. Is there a smoke/fire detector linked to the main panel on the Bridge
9. Are walking surfaces non-slip and trip hazards clearly marked
10. Is all machinery safely guarded
11. Is there a ‘lone worker’ system
12. Is all garbage properly contained in con-combustible containers with lids
13. Are flammable substances under control
14. Are there emergency shut-offs for machinery and do these work
Is the Chief Engineer aware of any defects in the main or standby machinery,
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alarms, control or detection systems
16. Are bilges clean and clear of debris
17. Are there EEBD’s available

I. EMERGENCY RESPONSE CAPABILITIES

I.1 Ship's Safety Equipment and Procedures

Item Question 
1. Are drills held regularly (minimum twice per month)
Dates of last:
 boat drill
2.  fire drill
 man overboard drill
 medevac drill
3. Are there hydrostatically released life rafts (total 200%) on both sides
4. Are there lifejackets (200% cover)
5. Are there survival suits (100% cover)
6. Are there adequate lifebuoys with lines, lights and smoke/light floats

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Item Question
7. Is there a “man overboard” life raft
8. Are there flares and line-throwing apparatus, and in date
9. Are there emergency rations kept ready, in date
10. Is there a planned maintenance system for life saving appliances
11. For preference is there one rigid hull lifeboat on each side
12. Are escape hatches and safety equipment clearly marked and clear of obstructions
13. Are passageways and exists kept clear
14. Do they have reflective exit signs (eye/floor level)
15. Is general and emergency lighting adequate all over the vessel

I.2 Fire Precautions/Fighting

Item Question 
1. Are all areas covered by a smoke/fire detector system
2. Are all detectors linked to a central control
3. Can general and fire alarms be heard in all areas of the vessel
4. Are fire extinguishers of suitable type seen all over the ship
5. Are there fixed systems for the cable reel(s) and cable store
6. Are fixed foam outlets tested monthly
7. Are there fixed systems for the engine room
8. Are there fixed systems for the compressor room
9. Are there fixed systems for other machinery spaces
10. Are controls for extinguishing systems remote from danger areas
11. Are all hydrants and hoses pressure tested (every 3 months)
12. Are fire hoses sufficient to reach all parts of the ship
13. Have fire extinguishers been professionally inspected within the last 12 months
14. Have fixed systems been professionally inspected within the last 12 months
15. Are there written records of inspections
16. Is training for emergency response adequate
17. Are fireman’s suits available with breathing apparatus
18. Is knowledge of the ship’s fire fighting system taught to all
19. Are fire equipment and fire flaps clearly marked, operable and unobstructed

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I.3 Medical & Health

Item Question 
1. Do all members of the crew have current medical fitness certificates
2. Are appropriate inoculations and prophylaxis in force
3. Are certificates for inoculations available
4. Are ship’s medical kits in date and suitable for the area
5. Are eyewash stations in date
6. Is there a Paramedic or Advanced First Aider
7. Is there a list showing location of First Aid kits
8. Is there a list of certified First Aiders
9. Is there a stretcher on board
10. Is there a medevac procedure for the area, posted up
11. Are all prescription drugs locked up
12. Has freshwater been analysed
13. Are fresh water tanks cleaned regularly
14. Is a record kept of all treatments provided
15. Has a noise level survey been conducted and results published
16. Is there a smoking policy and areas designated
17. Is the air quality and conditioning to an acceptable standard

J. GENERAL SHIP MANAGEMENT

J.1 Environment Protection

Item Question 
1. Are placards displayed regarding the correct disposal of garbage
2. Do the above placards define “special areas”
3. Is there a Garbage Management Plan
4. Is there a Garbage Record Book
5. Does the contractor operate a waste minimisation plan
6. Is there a Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP)
7. Is there a designated spill response team and drills carried out; date of last:
8. Is there a spill response equipment and in a clearly marked location
9. Is there an IMO approved incinerator and/or compacter
10. Are garbage skips provided and covered against accidental discharge
11. Is waste properly segregated
Does the contractor/ship operator monitor the adequacy of port garbage reception
12.
facilities
13. Do bunker vents and filling pipes have spill trays

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Item Question 
14. Are bunkering procedure notices displayed
15. Is there an oily water separator or oil filtering equipment
16. Is there an Oil Record book (last entry and date:- )
17. Is there a receipt for waste oil discharged to shore or barge
18. What is the capacity of the dirty oil tank:-
19. When was it last pumped ashore:-
Are any special procedures applied to this operation (e.g. cetacean watch, pressure
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group interference)

J.2 Stability and Construction

Item Question 
1. Is there stability data available/posted
2. Has it been updated/approved since any major structural change
3. Are there any restrictions imposed
Has there been any structural damage in the last 12 months (e.g. grounding,
4.
collision, heavy weather, cracks, buckling, leaks, etc).
5. What action has been taken in respect of this
6. Are designated watertight doors closed at sea

J.3 Navigation and Instruments

Item Question 
Are all statutory navigation instruments and equipment on board and in working
1.
order
2. Is chart coverage adequate for present employment
3. Are charts correct and up to date
4. Is there a regular supply of chart corrections
5. Is there a Navtex receiver
Are all statutory publications on board and up-to-date:
Tide tables Tidal Stream Atlases
ANM (1-22) Almanac
6.
List of Lights List of Radio Signals
Pilot Books Supplements
International Code of Signals Mariners’ Handbook
7. Is SOLAS Card No 2 posted
8. Are instructions for change-over to emergency steering posted
9. Are emergency steering drills conducted, date of last:

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Item Question 
10. Are lights and shapes correct for present employment
11. Are log book entries adequate
12. Is there a constant radio watch at sea (Ch 16, 2182 KHz)
13. Is the vessel fitted with an EPIRBs and SARTs

J.4 Ship's Certificates

Item Question Issued Expiry Latest

1. List of Certificates
Certificate of Registry or Navigation
International Load Line
Cargo Ship Safety Construction
Cargo Ship Safety Equipment
Cargo Ship Safety Radio
Ship’s Radio License
Certificate of Shore Maintenance (GMDSS)
Classification of Machinery
Classification for Hull
Minimum Safe Manning
ISM Safety Management Certificate
International Oil Pollution Prevention
International Tonnage
Fire Equipment Inspection
Medical Stores Inspection
De-ratting Exemption
Life rafts
Helideck
2. Are there any outstanding items in respect of the ship’s certificates
3. Were the originals of the certificates seen
4. Are the SOLAS certificates readily available on board
Is the vessel adequately manned (Check Officer’s certificates against safe manning
5.
document)
6. Are there enough qualified crew to support the science (crane driving etc)
7. Complete the table below for crew certification.

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 Cert
Rank Class Limitations GMDSS
Nation
Master
Ch Off
2nd Mate
3rd Mate
Ch Eng
2nd Eng
3rd Eng
Comments:

8. Does the ship owner check the validity of Certificates

J.5 Equipment Certificates and Inspections

Date of last
Item Equipment
Inspection Test
1. Cranes and lifting equipment 1

2. Seismic winches and lifting appliances1

3. Lifting strops and cables1
4. Air receivers2

Notes:

1. All lifting equipment should be visually inspected annually and load tested every five
years.

2. Testing of air receivers should be specified by the manufacturer, but as a guide they
should be visually inspected (internally) annually and hydrostatically tested every five
years.

K. PHOTOGRAPHS

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