§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has make of(a) safety and (b) working conditions on board ships; and if he will make a statement. [35567]
§ Mr. JamiesonMarine surveyors from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) carry out inspections which include an assessment of compliance with health and safety requirements and other regulations which safeguard working conditions on board ships, and take any necessary action where deficiencies are found. On foreign ships in UK ports these inspections are carried out as part of a co-ordinated inspection regime with European partners.
Owners and operators of ships have a duty to provide a safe working environment for those on board ship, and employers on UK ships are required to use risk assessment to comply with health and safety legislation.