Traineeship students and risk prevention on board merchant ships: risk factors and effects on their health.

Abstract

The question of occupational hazards in the maritime field is of vital importance, especially for those starting their externships on board. This paper focuses on this issue and aims to analyse the occupational risks faced by students during their external placements at sea, identify the main hazards and risks to which they are exposed and propose prevention and control measures to minimise them.

It is important that students starting their external placements on board receive adequate training on the occupational risks associated with the maritime environment and the prevention and control measures necessary to minimise them. It is also necessary that shipping companies and those responsible for safety on board provide adequate personal protective equipment and ensure that all necessary safety measures are complied with to guarantee a safe working environment on board.

By conducting surveys and interviews, mainly with students, but also with recently graduated officers, we can get an insight into the daily situation of hundreds of bridge and engine students doing their academic and professional internships on ships of different types.

Analysing occupational risks, identifying hazards and proposing appropriate prevention and control measures can help to minimise accidents at work and protect the life and health of maritime workers.

Inadequate conditions in the workplace can lead to the development of risks that compromise the health of the worker.