With an ever-increasing fleet of exquisitely designed luxury super yachts comes the constant need to keep them maintained. Not only the vessel owner but the architect and builder alike would expect their pride and joy to be sailing International waters looking as beautiful as on handover day.

Whilst the responsibility for cleaning operations usually falls on deck crew, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure it is done in a safe manner.

Providing a safe system of work is essential for ensuring the safety of crew members, particularly when working aloft or outboard. Regulations governing working at height, in all industries, are well established and most vessels will have some provision for the attachment of safety equipment. Such provision may include fixed or removable eyebolts, rail mounted external access systems or the latest certified vacuum anchors. Whichever methods of access are employed all will require some form of regular, formal training to ensure such provision is used safely and effectively.

The design of specialist work at height equipment has moved on tremendously in recent years but making the right choices can be a daunting task. Selection criteria is often based on what was used on a previous vessel and, in some cases, this has been lightweight climbing harnesses and lanyards purchased from a local outdoor equipment store, or elasticated restraint lanyards purchased from a local yacht chandlers. Whilst the equipment may meet the appropriate EN standards for mountaineering or small pleasure boats, these standards fall well short of the levels of safety required in the workplace.