Marine Construction Safety Program
Drowning prevention, PFD requirements, man-overboard procedures, and marine-specific confined space and diving safety.
What this document is
This document is a written safety program that outlines the policies and procedures a contractor must follow when work occurs over or near water. It gives employers a ready-to-adapt framework that satisfies OSHA requirements and helps protect workers from drowning and related marine hazards.
The regulation that requires it
29 CFR 1926 Subpart P (Excavations) addresses protective systems and employee exposure to water hazards during marine-adjacent work, while 29 CFR 1917 (Marine Terminals) sets specific rules for working over or near water. 29 CFR 1917.95 requires personal flotation devices whenever employees work over water where a drowning hazard exists and mandates procedures for man-overboard recovery. The rule also covers marine-specific confined space entry and commercial diving safety when those activities occur.
Who needs it
Marine construction contractors, pile drivers, dock builders, bridge crews, and any employer whose workers perform tasks over or adjacent to navigable waters need this program. General contractors and subcontractors in coastal, river, or harbor environments must maintain it. California employers should also consult Title 8 CCR sections that incorporate or expand on these federal rules when Cal/OSHA jurisdiction applies.
What happens without it
OSHA and Cal/OSHA inspectors routinely check for written programs during marine jobsite visits. A serious violation can currently bring penalties up to $16,131 per citation, while a willful or repeated violation can reach $161,323. Multi-employer worksites increase the chance that the controlling contractor will also receive citations. Lack of a program often leads to findings of inadequate training and emergency procedures.
What's included in the generated document
- Drowning prevention policy
- Personal flotation device selection, inspection, and use requirements
- Man-overboard response and rescue procedures
- Marine confined space entry protocols
- Commercial diving safety guidelines
How to implement it at your company
- Download the PDF and edit the company name, site-specific contact information, and any project details.
- Review the procedures with your safety committee or competent person for marine work.
- Distribute the document to all supervisors and employees who work over or near water.
- Provide training on the program contents and conduct drills for man-overboard response.
- Keep the written program on site, update it when conditions change, and make it available during OSHA inspections.