A Ship Work Permit is an official document used to regulate and control work carried out on board a ship, especially work that involves high risks. Its main purpose is to ensure that all work is performed safely and in accordance with procedures, as well as to protect the crew, technicians, the ship, and the environment.

It has become a routine part of working life on board a ship. The Ship Work Permit system ensures that proper planning has been carried out for specific work tasks and that all related risks have been properly considered; that appropriate safety control measures have been implemented, and that all risks are properly managed. A Work Permit must be simple, clearly stating what work is to be done, when the work is to be carried out, and the safety controls that must be applied to avoid injury or death.

General Contents of a Ship Work Permit:

• Type of work
  For example: hot work, confined space entry, work at height, electrical work, etc.
• Work location
  Where the work will be carried out on board the ship.
• Date and time
  When the work will begin and finish.
• Personnel identification
  Who is performing the work and who is responsible.
• Safety measures
  Personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used, risk mitigation steps, gas testing (if required), etc.
• Approval
  Signed by the authorized authority, such as the Chief Engineer, Master, Safety Officer, etc.

Types of Work Permits on Board a Ship:

1. Hot Work Permit
   Work that produces heat, sparks, or open flames, such as welding, cutting, or grinding.
2. Cold Work Permit
   Work that does not generate heat, sparks, or flames, but can still pose safety risks or cause damage if not properly controlled. This includes the use of chemicals, mechanical crew tasks such as dismantling and assembling pumps, valves, and engines, tank cleaning, and handling heavy equipment.
3. Electrical Work Permit
   Work involving electrical equipment and systems on board the ship. This includes tasks such as inspecting electrical panels, replacing cables or connectors, operating high-voltage switches, and checking electric pumps, etc.
4. Confined Space Entry Permit
   Permit required for entering and working in confined spaces on the ship, where there are high risks such as lack of oxygen, toxic gases, or potential explosions.
5. Working Aloft Permit
   Permit regulating work at heights, which involves risks of falling or dropping equipment. This is crucial as ships have many tall and narrow structures. Examples include rigging or crane inspections, work on the ship’s bow, or repairing radar above the bridge.