No. 134 - Prevention of Accidents (Seafarers), 1970

Provisions

• This Convention deals with accident prevention measures on board ships at sea and in port.
• Ratifying countries are to ensure that occupational accidents are adequately reported and investigated, and that comprehensive statistics are kept and analysed.
• Specific provisions dealing with the prevention of occupational accidents are to be laid down by law, codes of practice or other appropriate means.
• The shipowner's obligation to provide protective equipment is to be matched by a requirement that seafarers observe the relevant accident prevention measures.
• Designated crew members are to be responsible, under the ship's master, for accident prevention.
• The Competent Authority must set up occupational accident prevention programmes with the co-operation of the shipowners' and seafarers' organisations, and health protection measures are to be included in training curricula. Seafarers are to be given information about particular hazards.
• National or local joint accident prevention committees are to be set up, with representation of the shipowners' and seafarers' organisations.
• Research must be undertaken into general trends and into hazards that are identified by statistics.

Administered by

Maritime New Zealand

• Maritime Transport Act 1994
• Maritime Rules Part 21- Safe Ship Management Systems
• Maritime Rules Part 49 - Ships' Lifting Appliances

Department of Labour

• Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
• Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995

The Code of Practice for Health and Safety in Port Operations was published in 2004. This Code was a replacement and a revision of the Port Safety Guidelines, which were published in 1997. The Code is based on Convention No. 152 - Occupational Safety and Health (Dock Work). The Code of Practice superseded the Harbours Act 1950, and the General Harbour Regulations, which were revoked in 2003.

How New Zealand implements it

• Part 3, of the Maritime Transport Act requires employers of seafarers to systematically manage hazards in the sea-going work place, and provide appropriate training and supervision.
• Sections 30 and 31, of the Maritime Transport Act provide for the recording and reporting of accidents, incidents and mishaps.
• Part 21 - Safe Ship Management Systems of the maritime rules pursuant to the Maritime Transport Act, requires ship operators to implement safety management systems aimed at ensuring a safe working environment, safeguards against all identified risks and continuous improvement in the safety management skills of personnel ashore and on board ships. Elements of such systems must include defined responsibilities for safety, documented operation and emergency procedures, and the systematic investigation and analysis of accident and incidents with a view to improving safety.
• The training of seafarers and instruction in accident prevention are carried out by maritime training establishments.
• Training courses include fire-fighting, survival craft, and courses on tanker safety for deck and engine room crew.
• Representatives of seafarers, shipowners, government, and training establishments meet regularly to discuss accident prevention training standards.
• Maritime New Zealand reports regularly on accidents to seafarers and to all other interested parties.

This Convention is not applicable to Tokelau.

Ratified - 31 May 1977

Total ratifications - 29

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