Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers 2025

The code has undergone a comprehensive redesign and modernisation process aimed at improving its structure, ensure consistency, and simplify its language. The use of recurring design features will facilitate quicker reference and enhance overall clarity and ease of understanding. One notable change is the transition of the physical format from loose-leaf to bound. This shift is intended to enhance the end-user experience, eliminate the need for annual manual updates, and provide a more cost-effective and sustainable solution. Industry played a central role throughout the review process. Industry focus groups, representing diverse user groups, were convened to assess concepts of design and address feedback. Further engagement on the proposed adaptation was made with industry through holding a stakeholder engagement exercise. This collaboration between MCA and industry effort led to collective agreement on actions required to reform the code into a new edition. COSWP is a comprehensive set of guidelines and best practices designed to ensure the safety and health of seafarers working on merchant vessels. It provides practical guidance on safe working practices and procedures to be followed on board ships to minimise risks and prevent accidents. It is a statutory requirement for the current edition of the code to be carried on board all UK ships, other than fishing vessels and pleasure craft. The code contains essential health and safety information, and it must be made available to any seafarer on board the ship who requests it. Main updates to the 2025 Edition: Chapter 34: New chapter on shipyard safety and the considerations for seafarers while a ship is being repaired at a shipyard Chapter 22 (Annex 22.1): Standards for means of access Chapter 11: Safe movement on board ships during extreme weather conditions Chapters 9, 10, 12 and 15: Including new figure of a hammer suspension system in chapter 12 Updated legislation references throughout. Available as hardcopy or digital E-Book via our free Windows-compatible software, SeaReader. More information on E-Books is on our SeaReader page: weilbach.com/weilbach/news-info/seareader-for-web-customers/