What should be done if a hazard is identified but cannot be secured during a boarding?

When a hazard is identified but cannot be secured during a boarding, the best course of action is to advise the master about the hazard and then take other appropriate actions. In this scenario, it’s important to communicate the risk to the master so that they can understand the potential danger it poses and take steps to mitigate it. This ensures the safety of both the boarding team and the vessel’s crew.

Advising the master allows for an informed decision-making process regarding how to manage the situation. While the crew or master avoiding the hazard seems like a reasonable approach, it may not always be practical or sufficient depending on the nature of the hazard and the context of the boarding. The boarding team may also need to take precautionary actions or adjust their procedures based on the specific circumstances at hand.

Effective communication about hazards is critical in ensuring safety at sea, and taking appropriate actions following that communication is essential to maintaining operational integrity and safety during the boarding.