Key tips on safe manual handling practices at sea, reminding seafarers to use proper lifting techniques, plan lifts carefully, and prioritize mechanical aids to prevent injury.
A common mistake made by seafarers is lifting a load by using back muscles instead of using the power of the arm and leg muscles. Sometimes, this can cause serious implications or injuries, especially when dealing with the motion of the sea. If the vessel is rolling or pitching, it is important to secure the load first and then postpone the task until the weather improves.
Always consider using lifting equipment as the preferred choice for handling loads. If equipment is not an option and you have to resort to manual lifting, then always consider the weight of the load, the distance you are carrying it, the storage height (if above shoulder level), and any twisting, bending, stretching, or other awkward posture you may adopt when carrying out the task.
Advice to seafarers
Over the past week, 8-13 October, no incident of piracy or armed robbery against ships in Asia was reported.
Area of concern
The ships shall to continue to intensify vigilance, maintain a sharp look-out while anchoring or transiting areas of concern, including the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, and report all incidents to the law enforcement agencies immediately; and the littoral States to increase patrols and enforcement in these areas.
Situation of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah: Situation update
Latest maritime intelligence brief, highlighting fragile truces in the Red Sea, rising maritime tensions in the South China Sea and escalating cyber threats.
Red Sea: conditional pause ≠ safe passage
Houthi statements indicate a pause on attacks against non-Israeli ships, contingent on Israeli adherence to the Gaza ceasefire; Israeli-flagged or linked vessels remain targets. Dryad Global assesses the truce as highly fragile and strongly advises against transiting the Red Sea/Bab al-Mandab under current conditions.
Good bridge resource management (BRM) - including a discussion between the Master and pilot of the weather, the vessel’s handling with stern trim and how the bridge team would monitor the vessel’s progress - can help avoid costly potential damage, port delays, and operational disruptions. Make a Good Catch by establishing a culture on the bridge where crew members feel empowered to voice any concern, especially when something doesn’t look right.
Full advisory at the following link.
https://www.american-club.com/files/files/API_Good_Catch_It_Was_All_Set_EN.pdf
and
https://www.american-club.com/files/files/MA_101525_Good_Catch_Update_It_Was_All_Set.pdf