OSHA's Longshoring standard, 29 CFR Part 1918, sets safety and health requirements for longshoring operations and related employment aboard vessels. It covers access to vessels, working surfaces, the vessel's cargo handling gear, other cargo handling equipment, opening and closing hatches, cargo handling, powered industrial trucks, personal protective equipment, first aid and hazardous cargo.
Longshore work is fast-paced and high-risk. Workers move between docks and vessels, work around suspended loads, open heavy hatch covers, drive equipment in holds and handle containers stacked several high, often at night and in bad weather.
What Is Part 1918?
Part 1918 applies to longshoring operations aboard vessels. Shoreside cargo handling at marine terminals is covered by Part 1917, and ship repair work by Part 1915. Vessel cargo gear certification relies on persons accredited under Part 1919.
The standard is organized into subparts covering:
- Gangways and other means of access
- Working surfaces
- Vessel's cargo handling gear
- Cargo handling gear and equipment other than ship's gear
- Opening and closing hatches
- Handling cargo, including containerized cargo operations
- Handling and use of powered industrial trucks aboard vessels
- General working conditions, including first aid and hazardous cargo
- Personal protective equipment
Who Must Comply?
Employers of longshore workers, including stevedoring companies and terminal operators whose employees work aboard vessels, must comply. The standard applies regardless of the vessel's flag when operations occur in U.S. waters under OSHA jurisdiction.
Key Requirements
Access to vessels
Employees may not board or leave a vessel except by a safe means of access, such as a properly secured gangway, accommodation ladder or ramp. Gangways must meet width, handrail and lighting requirements, and safety nets or other measures are required where workers could fall into the water between the vessel and the dock.
Vessel cargo gear
The vessel's cargo handling gear must be certified and maintained under international and Part 1919 requirements. Gear must be inspected before use by the employer, and defective gear must be removed from service. Safe working loads must be marked and not exceeded.
Other cargo handling equipment
Equipment brought aboard by the employer, such as cranes, lifting beams and slings, must be inspected and used within rated capacities. Mechanically powered vehicles used aboard vessels must have operational brakes, horns and lights, and drivers must be trained.
Hatches
Hatch covers and beams must be handled to prevent falls and struck-by injuries, using proper equipment and safe methods. Open hatches must be guarded, and workers must not walk on hatch covers or beams that are not secure.
Containerized cargo operations
Workers must be protected from falls when working on top of containers, including during lashing and coning or deconing. The standard prioritizes methods that keep workers off container tops, such as using platforms and devices that allow work from the deck.
Powered industrial trucks
Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks used aboard vessels must meet design and maintenance requirements, and operators must be trained and evaluated, consistent with the powered industrial truck standard.
PPE and first aid
Employers must provide eye, respiratory, head, foot and other protective equipment based on the hazards, and high-visibility garments are commonly needed around moving equipment. First aid must be available, with trained persons and first aid kits at each vessel being worked, and arrangements must be in place for prompt medical attention and rescue.
Hazardous cargo
Employers must be aware of hazardous cargo aboard, handle damaged or leaking hazardous cargo safely, and keep workers away until the hazard is assessed and controlled.
Penalties and Enforcement
OSHA inspects longshoring operations through programmed and complaint-based inspections. Common citations involve unsafe vessel access, fall hazards on containers and hatches, unsafe cargo gear and powered industrial truck operations. Penalties are adjusted annually for inflation.
Common Compliance Mistakes
- Allowing boarding before the gangway is secured and lit.
- Using vessel gear without checking certification and condition.
- Working on container tops without fall protection.
- Leaving open hatches unguarded.
- Operating equipment in holds with poor ventilation or lighting.
How to Comply: Step by Step
- Check vessel access. Confirm gangways or ladders are secure, guarded and lit before workers board.
- Verify gear. Review cargo gear certificates and inspect gear before use.
- Plan cargo operations. Identify fall, struck-by and hazardous cargo risks for each vessel.
- Control equipment. Inspect powered industrial trucks and other equipment and train operators.
- Provide PPE. Supply PPE based on hazard assessments, including high-visibility clothing.
- Prepare for emergencies. Station first aid, rescue equipment and trained responders.
- Inspect each operation. Run checks at the start of each shift and vessel call.
How SMS360 Helps
SMS360's Audits & Inspections module provides mobile vessel access, gear and hatch checklists for each vessel call. Training Management tracks equipment operator, first aid and PPE training, and Incident Management records and investigates dockside and shipboard incidents. Learn more about SMS360 for maritime operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Part 1917 and Part 1918?
Part 1917 covers marine terminal operations on shore, while Part 1918 covers longshoring operations aboard vessels.
Does vessel cargo gear need certification?
Yes. The vessel's cargo handling gear must be certified by a recognized authority, and the employer must inspect it before use.
Is fall protection required on top of containers?
Yes. Workers must be protected from falls when working on container tops, and the standard favors methods that keep workers off the tops entirely.
What first aid is required for longshoring?
Trained first aid personnel and first aid kits must be available, with arrangements for prompt medical care and rescue.
