Introduction and Regulations

To be able to handle the risks that come not only from working onboard a ship but also working far out at sea, one must know and be aware of the situations that can be dangerous. This course aims to increase that knowledge in order to prevent accidents and ill-health.

The course covers ergonomics, physical factors of the work environment, harmful substances on board, the social work environment, and the regulations regarding the work environment. 

When you have finished this course, you will have a better understanding of how you can improve your and your colleagues' work environment, as well as perform your tasks in a safe and sustainable way.

In this step, you will get an overview of which rules and authorities are important for ensuring a safe working environment onboard. The following video introduces the rules and regulations for safety onboard vessels, as well as answers common questions about the specific acts in force for Swedish vessels and in Swedish territorial waters.

Work Environment Regulations and Definitions

Extensive regulations surround the work environment. In addition to the direct work environment legislation, the work environment work is also affected by other rules for, among other things, discrimination, the external environment, chemical handling, buildings, insurance and rescue work. At sea, you must also consider international recommendations and binding regulations.

Swedish and international regulations must be available for everyone on board to read, either digitally or in paper form. Basic knowledge of the rules of both managers and employees facilitates the joint work environment. We will now take a closer look at the various terms used in the regulations.

Constitutions, Laws, Ordinances, Regulations and General Advice

• Constitutions are a collective name for laws, ordinances, and regulations. But what are their distinctions?
• Laws are rules that have consequences for individual citizens and companies. The Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) makes decisions on laws in Sweden, for example, the Work Environment Act.
• Ordinances are rules without established consequences. The government can make decisions directly by issuing an ordinance. An ordinance may contain regulations that comply with the law.
• Regulations are binding rules in specific subject areas created by authorities. An authority is a public body and may decide to issue such detailed rules, such as the Swedish Transport Agency or the Swedish Work Environment Authority.
• The general advice is only recommendations on how laws, ordinances, and regulations should apply.