IMPA Congress 2014 Pilot Boat Rail Systems Safety considerations Captain Nick Lee Chairman United Kingdom Marine Pilots Association Technical & Training Committee

Why the study Hadrian Rail / Unirail systems Identification of the risks Recommendations and risk mitigation

Manning of Pilot Boats Subject to Marine Guidance Note MGN 50 (M) Safety Harnesses Dedicated Pilot Boat Local Regulations

Extruded Rail Carriage with nylon runners Note Lanyards Crewman Clips onto carriage system directly Or Lanyard, Clips to coat /harness Result Crewman Secure Cannot fall overboard note lanyard length

A potential fall overboard is prevented by the safety rail system. So what is the problem………

Potential Injuries Harness shock Impact Injuries Musculoskeletal Injuries Dragging through water Musculoskeletal Injuries Possible Hypothermia Suspension Trauma Death

SUSPENSION TRAUMA What is it ? Medically known as Orthosatic Intolerance Can Start within 5mins… Unconscious in 10mins Symptoms: Hot Flushes, sweating, anxiety, numbness Rapid pulse & breathing Sudden loss of consciousness (fainting) Very Rare – but death can occur if not treated correctly or promptly (within 30mins)

Suspension Failure of the muscle pump In legs Hypoxidosis Fall in Cardiac Output Organ Damage Reduction of Venuous return muscle Acidosis Catecholamine Compensatory Actions Ac Anxiety Hypovolaemia Fall in Blood Pressure Circulatory Insufficiency Suspension Circulatory Insufficiency Failure of the Muscle pump In legs Fall in Blood Pressure Hypoxidosis Fall in Cardiac Output Hypovolaemia Catecholamine Acidosis Organ Damage Reduction of Venous return Anxiety Compensatory Actions SUSPENSION TRAUMA What happens

SUSPENSION TRAUMA What can we do ? Be aware of the Issues. Self help - Slow onset by techniques: Push down vigorously with legs or mobilise limbs to maintain circulation Pump legs against firm surface Position body in a horizontal or slight leg high position

SUSPENSION TRAUMA What can we do ? Train cutter crews. Develop rescue procedures. Identify additional Rescue equipment required. Ensure we use Boarding & Landing code procedures.

Medical Training Anyone released from immobile suspension should be kept in a sitting position for at least 30 minutes Casualty must not be Recovered Horizontally or Legs Raised

Correct Ancillary Equipment

UK Health and Safety Executive Harness suspension: review and evaluation of existing information Work restraint (travel restriction) harness

Life Jackets / Harnesses

Fall Arrest Harness

Harness Shock loading

Lanyards – choose correct type

Clipping on … Which ? Petzl Triact Lock Standard Supplied On Load release

Pilot Boat Design - Deck Width Is 400mm (14”) Enough ?

Increased Deck Width Protect against falls

Pilot Boat Design - Rail Positioning Hadrian Rail - Mini rail System

Pilot Boat Design - Rail Positioning

Conclusions Continue to report non compliant vessels Promote Awareness Equip personnel correctly. Ensure procedures in place.

Harness Suspension: Review & evaluation of existing information ‎ First aid measures for suspension trauma Further Reading ‎

Thank you & Be Safe United Kingdom Marine Pilots Association

Bibliography From UK MCA Small vessel and Pilot boat regulations Safety Harnesses A vessel, other than a RHIB, should be provided with safety harnesses as necessary for all persons who may be required to work on deck, with a minimum number of Dedicated Pilot Boat For the safe access of personnel, the minimum width of side deck inboard of the bulwark or rails or toe-rail on new vessels should be 400mm but regard should be given to the height and shape of adjacent superstructure or deckhouse. Side decks should be adequately illuminated; An efficient, uninterrupted/continuous safety rail system for clip-on safety harnesses should be provided. The system should allow the harness traveller to move freely and without adjustment over the full length of the safety rail. The rail system, its attachment to the vessel structure and the clip-on safety harnesses should be designed, constructed, installed, tested and maintained to appropriate personal protective equipment standards, to the satisfaction of the Certifying Authority Subject to Marine Guidance Note MGN 50 (M) - Manning of Pilot Boats; A pilot boat should be manned by a minimum of 2 adult persons, namely a coxswain, and a deck hand who can assist the pilot when boarding or landing. The competent harbour authority or owner(s)/managing agent(s) of the pilot boat should be satisfied as to the competence and fitness for duty of these persons; and all pilot boat crew members should; ref to medical / first aid certification