Vessel Refit and Dry Dock Entry Safety Checklist

This vessel refit and dry dock entry safety checklist ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR Part 1915 (Shipyard Employment), IMO Resolution A.1084(28) dry dock safety guidance, NFPA 312 (Protection of Vessels During Construction, Repair, and Lay-Up), and shipyard safety management requirements. Dry dock environments present multiple simultaneous hazards including hot work, confined space, fall hazards, and chemical exposure.

  • Industry: Maritime
  • Frequency: Per Event
  • Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
  • Role: Ship Superintendent / Chief Officer
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1915 Shipyard Employment Standards, NFPA 312 Protection of Vessels During Construction Repair, IMO Resolution A.1084(28) Dry Dock Safety, Classification Society Dry Dock Procedures, Shipyard Safety Management System

Pre-Dry Dock Preparation

Vessel readiness for dry dock.

  • All cargo tanks cleaned and certified gas-free before dry dock?
  • Fuel oil reduced to minimum required levels?
  • Hazardous materials inventory completed and materials secured?
  • Keel block arrangement verified by stability calculation?
  • Safe gangway access arranged between vessel and dry dock?

Hot Work Control

Hot work permit and fire control.

  • Hot work permit-to-work system established with shipyard?
  • Gas-free certificates obtained before any hot work commences?
  • Shipyard fire watch assigned for all hot work?
  • Portable fire extinguishers at each hot work location?
  • Vessel fire alarm system operational during refit?

Confined Space Entry

Shipyard confined space control.

  • Confined space permit-to-work in place for tanks and spaces?
  • Atmospheric testing before each confined space entry?
  • Forced ventilation running continuously in occupied confined spaces?
  • Dedicated confined space attendant at each entry point?
  • Rescue equipment and SCBA positioned outside each confined space?

Fall Prevention

Working at height safety.

  • All scaffolding erected by certified scaffolders and tagged?
  • Safety harnesses worn for work at height over 2 meters?
  • Open deck edges and hatches protected or barricaded?
  • All tools and materials secured to prevent falling?
  • Safe access routes maintained within shipyard work area?

Shipyard Safety Coordination

Interface with shipyard safety.

  • Daily safety coordination meeting with shipyard foreman?
  • Crew access to work areas coordinated with shipyard?
  • Shipyard emergency response plan known to ship's officers?
  • All contractors inducted to vessel safety requirements?
  • Daily toolbox talks conducted before high-risk tasks?

Dry Dock Safety Records

Refit documentation.

  • Hot work permits logged and retained?
  • Confined space permits logged and retained?
  • All incidents and near-misses formally reported?
  • Superintendent daily inspection log maintained?
  • Dry Dock Safety Notes

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Why Use This Vessel Refit and Dry Dock Entry Safety Checklist?

This vessel refit and dry dock entry safety checklist helps maritime teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for ship superintendent / chief officer professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1915 Shipyard Employment Standards, NFPA 312 Protection of Vessels During Construction Repair, IMO Resolution A.1084(28) Dry Dock Safety, Classification Society Dry Dock Procedures, Shipyard Safety Management System. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Vessel Refit and Dry Dock Entry Safety Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Pre-Dry Dock Preparation, Hot Work Control, Confined Space Entry, Fall Prevention, Shipyard Safety Coordination, Dry Dock Safety Records. It is designed for maritime operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 2-4 hours.

Who should use this Vessel Refit and Dry Dock Entry Safety Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Ship Superintendent / Chief Officer professionals in the maritime industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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