Unsafe conditions onboard — when to refuse work

Vessel is operating in conditions that endanger crew or environment. Stop-work authority + ISM Code path.

Immediate action (do this first)

1. Stop the unsafe task. Stand clear. Brief the crew.
2. Raise the concern with the Master + the Safety Officer in writing (log book + email).
3. Request a re-assessment + re-permit before any restart.
4. If the Master overrides + the risk is severe: notify the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) directly under ISM Element 4.

Evidence to save

• Photos of the unsafe condition + equipment + work area.
• Risk-assessment paperwork (or its absence).
• Permit-to-work documentation.
• Log book entry of the stop-work decision.
• Communications with the Master + the DPA.
• Names of crew witnesses + their statements.

Escalation chain

1. Master + Safety Officer (immediate stop-work)
2. Designated Person Ashore (DPA, ISM Element 4) — DPA has direct access to the highest level of management.
3. Onboard complaints procedure (MLC A5.1.5)
4. Flag-state seafarer-complaint channel
5. Port State Control (MLC A5.2.2) — Onshore complaint at the port the vessel is in.
6. ISWAN + ITF inspector — Welfare side; can intervene if the safety raise causes retaliation.

Do NOT

• Don't restart the task before a re-assessment + re-permit.
• Don't sign a statement minimising the risk to satisfy the Master.
• Don't refuse to sail without flag-state guidance — the line between refusal and desertion matters.

Last verified 13 days ago