                   Safe Use of Small Boats in the Workplace
                                       
Small boats are sometimes used in shipyard employment to provide employees access to work areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.  Small boats are also used for other specialized activities, such as diving, associated with the repair, maintenance, and construction of maritime vessels.  Prior to using small boats in the workplace, employers are responsible for assessing potential hazards and implementing measures that adequately protect workers.  

When small boats are used in the workplace:

 Supply the boat with U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) that are equal to the number of employees designated to ride in the boat, as well as a throwable flotation aid that is stowed in a location for immediate access. 

 Know and abide by the maximum allowable weight limit and number of persons for safe operation identified by the manufacturer. Ensure to take into account weight distribution and tools/equipment onboard when determining the number of personnel allowed for each trip.

 Equip boats with fire extinguishing and other emergency equipment, including radio communications (e.g., VHF transceiver).  Boats should also have a first-aid kit onboard that is inspected and restocked regularly as necessary.

 Inspect boats regularly for issues concerning machinery, equipment, and overall structure. Detailed records should be maintained and monitored of issues and corrective actions performed.

 Ensure operators are qualified and receive periodic refresher training, preferably on an annual basis. Operators should attend a safe boating course, such as the USCG Auxiliary Boating Skills and Seamanship, or equivalent, that provides the following:

        
        Training in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) training, if applicable.
       
        Requirements for boating equipment (e.g., engines, ignition systems, batteries) and troubleshooting.

        Boat handling, such as fueling, anchoring, trimming, leaving the dock, severe weather protocol, anchoring, docking, undocking, and mooring. 
  
        Boating incidents and rescue procedures (e.g., man overboard recovery, capsizing, running aground, location and use of fire extinguishing equipment onboard).

        Signage and aids to navigation (e.g., buoyage system, light characteristics, chart symbols).
  
        Rules associated with boating traffic, stand-on and give-way vessels, anchoring, and restricted visibility.
  
        Weather considerations, such as wind, waves, fog, and sources of weather information.

 Functions of VHF radios, including channels, radio procedures, and types of radio calls.

 The importance of not being under the influence of drugs or alcohol when operating boats, including federal, state, and local laws that apply.    
      
    
 Regularly check the National Weather Service for weather forecasts and warnings of hazardous weather.  
    
 Ensure operators file a float plan with shipyard supervisors. Normally only the date and personnel on board need to be updated for routine shipyard operations. A good float plan template is available from the USCG Auxiliary - https://floatplancentral.cgaux.org/download/USCGFloatPlan.pdf 
    
 Prior to getting underway/disembarking, operators should conduct a safety briefing that instructs personnel on:
    
 
 Locations of PFDs and throwable flotation aid, as well as fire extinguishing and other emergency equipment.
        
 The importance of wearing a PFD, remaining seated, and keeping hands, arms, and other parts of their body inside the boat while underway.
        
 Waiting for direction to disembark or begin work from the boat.

Depending on the types of activities taking place in shipyards that small boats are used, more advanced training may be necessary.  See the example Activity Hazard Analysis, developed by the Amy Corp of Engineers, to help determine the necessary training, proficiencies, and associated risk with potential tasks performed in shipyards using small boats. 
