Introduction

Shipboard tasks such as working at heights and/or over the side, mooring and rigging (e.g. an accommodation ladder or pilot ladder) are considered high-risk operations. Unfortunately, these tasks are often conducted in an unsafe manner. Deficiencies against Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) - Health and safety protection and accident prevention accounted for 58.5 per cent of MLC-related port State control deficiencies in 2022. These figures suggest that safe working conditions and associated practices remain an issue on board vessels visiting Australia.