Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the high-level hazards, controls and step-by-step safety procedures for boat building, maintenance and repair activities to support strong WHS compliance on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive, consolidated document covering multiple aspects of Boat Building Maintenance and Repair, from structural works and systems installation through to cleaning and ongoing servicing.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Application of anti-foul coatings to hulls, including surface preparation, environmental controls and safe chemical handling
• Deck widening operations, including structural modifications, cutting, welding and hot work controls
• Demolition and strip-out of vessel components, including controlled dismantling, waste handling and dust/noise management
• Fitting of rudders and steering equipment, including lifting, alignment, securing and functional testing
• Installation and testing of bilge pumps, associated pipework and electrical connections
• Installation, wiring and commissioning of electronic navigation equipment and communication systems
• Installation of engines and propeller shafts, including cranage, alignment, coupling and guarding of rotating parts
• Installation, tensioning and inspection of masts, spars and standing/running rigging
• Lowering and removal of masts using cranes or lifting equipment, with exclusion zones and tag-line control
• Maintenance and inspection of engine rooms, including confined and restricted space access, ventilation and fire risk management
• Maintenance and testing of rescue boats and associated launching appliances and recovery systems
• Work on marine refrigeration systems, including refrigerant handling, leak testing and electrical isolation
• Pressure cleaning of hulls and superstructures, including managing water pressure hazards, slips and environmental run-off
• General electrical safety for onboard systems, including lock-out/tag-out and testing before energisation
• Manual handling and use of mechanical aids for moving heavy marine components, fittings and equipment

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for boat builders, marine maintenance contractors, shipyards, slipway operators, marine electricians, refrigeration technicians, and site supervisors responsible for vessel construction, refit and repair work.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – for safe use of paints, solvents, anti-foul coatings and cleaning agents
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – for grinding, cutting, demolition and engine testing activities
• Code of Practice: Confined Spaces – for access to engine rooms, tanks and restricted vessel compartments
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – for working at height on decks, masts and scaffolding around vessels
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – for cranes, lifting gear, pressure cleaners and powered tools
• Code of Practice: Welding Processes – for deck widening, structural alterations and repair welding
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules) – for installation and maintenance of onboard electrical and navigation systems
• AS/NZS 1674.1:1997 Safety in Welding and Allied Processes – for hot work on hulls, decks and structural components
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial Fall-Arrest Systems and Devices – for use of harnesses and fall protection when working aloft or over water
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017