Why this matters
Use this leader guide before life rings, rescue skiffs & water rescue equipment work to review the real setup, the controls that need to be in place, and the conditions that should stop the task. Near-water work adds consequences that land-based work does not: a simple slip can become a drowning or delayed-rescue event, and tides/current can change access and equipment position. Rescue capability must be practical for the actual location.
A scenario to discuss
The crew performing Life Rings, Rescue Skiffs & Water Rescue Equipment realizes the closest life ring, ladder, skiff, or recovery point is blocked by material or too far from the actual work position. What must be corrected before someone works over or near the water?
Before work starts
- Inspect PFDs, ladders/gangways, walking surfaces and rescue equipment before beginning work.
- Review tide/current/weather and vessel/equipment movement expected during the task.
- Identify the rescue route and who will initiate/retrieve/rescue if someone enters the water.
- Place life rings and rescue equipment where they can be reached immediately from the actual work area.
- Ensure the crew knows who initiates rescue, who calls emergency response and how a person will be recovered from the water.
Common failure points
- Treating a fall to the water as “just a fall” without a realistic retrieval plan.
- Allowing wet/slippery access or tide/current changes to degrade the route.
- Working without rescue equipment/PFDs immediately available for the actual location.
Safe work sequence / controls
- Place life rings and rescue equipment where they can be reached immediately from the actual work area.
- Inspect PFDs, lines, rings and rescue equipment before work and after use.
- Ensure the crew knows who initiates rescue, who calls emergency response and how a person will be recovered from the water.
- Keep rescue access clear and account for current, tide, cold water and vessel traffic in the plan.
Stop and reset the plan if...
- Required PFDs, rescue equipment, lighting or access are not available/usable.
- Tide, current, weather, vessel movement or walking surfaces change beyond the planned condition.
- The crew loses a safe route to/from the work or a workable rescue path.
Questions worth asking the crew
- Where could a fall into the water become a difficult rescue at this exact work position?
- What PFD, ladder, life ring, skiff, or other rescue equipment is available, and can the crew reach/use it immediately?
- How can tide, current, weather, wet access, or vessel/barge movement change the exposure during this task?
- What is the actual recovery route if a worker cannot climb back onto the platform or vessel without assistance?
- Has anyone seen tide, wet access or vessel movement change a safe route quickly? What recovery/access control needs the most attention here?
Make it real on the job
Point out PFDs, rescue equipment, access route and the exact retrieval path from the water.
Close the talk
Before the crew starts, everyone should be able to explain the hazard, point to the control being used today, and name the condition that would make the work stop.
Related authoritative reference
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.106 - Working Over or Near Water · Open reference ↗
This is a practical discussion guide, not a substitute for required training, a competent person, permits, manufacturer instructions, employer procedures, or applicable federal/state/local requirements. Adapt it to the actual task and conditions.
