Safe Accesses to the ships at HKC compliant Ship Recycling Facilities 

Ships specific Ship Recycling Plans (SRP) are prepared for the vessel delivered to the HKC compliant recycling yards. Ships are cut into slices as per the SRP, keeping stability in mind. The most important aspect of recycling ships is ACCESS to the ship and its structures during the recycling process. Recycling facilities face high tide and low tide regularly, which affects the safe access to the ships.

The ship's bulbous bow is the first point of entry to the vessel. A window is cut at the bulbous bow to get access to the vessel. A firm ladder with handrails is secured from the jetty of the recycling facility to the bulbous bow. Similarly, multiple windows are cut at different locations on the hull for ventilation purposes. The vessel is permitted to start cutting by the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB). As the cutting progresses, the ship's hull is pulled towards the yard. The access ladder is also continuously adjusted and secured to ensure safe access. 

Occasionally steel plates are used for accessing vessels depending upon the height difference from the jetty to the ship. Barricades are installed to limit the walking boundaries.

Tiger tapes are used to barricade the areas to indicate workers about 'No Go Areas' on the ship's structures during the cutting process. Similar ladders are secured within the vessel's hull for intermediate deck access.

The recycling facility's safety officer confirms that access to the ship's hull is safe before commencing the work. Logs are maintained at the entry point to the vessel to account for the workers working onboard the vessel. Workers are not allowed to board the vessel without adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

HKC compliant recycling yards are continuously improving the working practices to make ship recycling sustainable.