Code of Safe Working Practices 2026 COSWP provides guidance on improving health and safety on board vessels and articulates how statutory obligations should be fulfilled. Key features: The Code details the regulatory framework for health and safety on board ship, safety management and statutory duties underlying the advice in the Code and the areas that should be covered when introducing a new recruit to the safety procedures on board. It is a statutory requirement for the current edition of the Code to be carried on board all UK ships, other than fishing vessels and pleasure craft. The Code contains essential health and safety information and it must be made available to any seafarer on board the ship who requests it. Main updates to the 2025 Edition:• Chapter 34: New chapter on shipyard safety and the considerations for seafarers while a ship is being repaired at a shipyard.• Chapter 22 (Annex 22.1): Standards for means of access.• Chapter 11: Safe movement on board ships during extreme weather conditions.• Chapters 9, 10, 12 and 15: Including new figure of a hammer suspension system in chapter 12.• Updated legislation references throughout. Publication Date: mid-March 2026
