Maintaining Personal Safety During the Winter Months

PERSONAL SAFETY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS

Published: 13 January 2026

As winter heightens in the Northern Hemisphere, cold weather can pose significant challenges for shipboard personnel, especially those not accustomed to such conditions. Adequately preparing and raising awareness is essential for maintaining personal safety and preventing cold-related injuries.

Key Points to Remember

Ensure the vessel is stocked with sufficient warm clothing well in advance of entering cold weather. Clothing should be ordered in appropriate sizes for all crew members. Special consideration may be required for female crew, who may require different sizing considerations.
As a minimum, crew should be supplied with layered cold-weather clothing such as thermal base layers, balaclavas, parka coats, winter boiler suits, insulated gloves, winter socks, and safety boots suitable for icy conditions.
Cold weather can reduce the sensitivity and dexterity of hands, this may increase the likelihood of error, delay or injury when performing tasks that require fine motor skills. Consider obtaining a stock of gloves that allow precision handling.
Wet clothing is a major risk when operating in cold weather, resulting in loss of body heat at a faster rate. Suitable waterproof protective clothing should be available for when work in wet weather is required.
Touching metal in freezing temperatures with bare skin can result in a painful injury, with the heat and moisture of skin causing a bond to the surface.
Crew members should receive training on the effects of cold weather on the human body and recognition of potential health risks such as hypothermia and frostbite.
The ship should carry enough salt or de-icing agents to treat decks and embarkation areas to prevent ice buildup.
Slippery, icy decks are a major risk. Measures must be taken to minimise slip hazards and ensure safe working surfaces.
Special attention must be paid to dietary requirements. Crew members need access to higher-calorie foods to help the body generate heat and cope with cold exposure.
Drinking plenty of water is also crucial, as dehydration can occur easily in cold weather. Warm drinks can be a way to provide comfort in cold weather whilst also hydrating.
Crew should understand the additional risk posed by wind chill, which can make temperatures feel significantly colder.
In extreme weather, outdoor working hours for exposed crew members may need to be reduced to prevent cold-related illnesses. Consider this at the planning stage of any work activity and be prepared for workers to take regular breaks when long spells outdoor are necessary.

Preparation, proper equipment, and adherence to best practices are essential for preventing injuries and illness during cold weather operations. It is the responsibility of the company and senior management onboard to ensure that these measures and resources are in place for the safety of all crew members.

BACK TO KNOWLEDGE