10 Essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Used Onboard Ships

Safety is not just a priority for seafarers; it’s a necessity. When working onboard ships, crew members are exposed to hazardous environments, including high-risk machinery, sounds, and hazardous materials. Ensuring their safety begins with one fundamental principle: proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

If you’re curious about vital PPE needed onboard ships or looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide dives deep into the 10 essential pieces of protective gear.

What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to specialized clothing, gear, or accessories designed to protect individuals from various health and safety dangers in their work environment. For seafarers, PPE serves as a frontline defense against physical injuries, chemical exposure, and other hazards that can occur during daily operations.

Below is a detailed overview of the 10 key PPE required on ships, their function, and how they uphold crew safety.

1. Protective Clothing

Purpose: Shields crew members from harmful elements, such as hot oil, water, or welding sparks.

Often referred to as “boiler suits” or “dangri,” protective clothing provides full-body coverage, reducing the risk of skin contact with hazardous substances. This durable, fire-retardant coverall ensures workers remain safe in scenarios where accidents involving hot liquids or flames are likely to occur.

Key Features

  • Heat-resistant material
  • Full-body protection
  • Durable against everyday wear and tear

2. Helmet

Purpose: Ensures head protection.

The human head is especially vulnerable in environments with heavy machinery or low ceilings. Helmets, designed with sturdy plastic materials, cushion and prevent head injuries from falling objects or sudden trips and falls. Equipped with chin straps, helmets stay securely in place even in dynamic conditions.

Key Features

  • Hard plastic shell
  • Chin strap for stability
  • Adjustable fit

3. Safety Shoes

Purpose: Protects feet from heavy objects and slipping hazards.

Ships are spaces filled with hard metal structures and moving equipment, posing risks to feet. Safety shoes come with slip-resistant soles and sturdy toe caps (often steel) to shield the feet from physical harm and enhance balance on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Key Features

  • Slip-resistant soles
  • Steel toe caps for impact resistance
  • High-ankle designs to prevent sprains

4. Safety Hand Gloves

Purpose: Protects hands during various shipboard operations.

Different activities onboard, such as welding or handling chemicals, require specific gloves. For example, heat-resistant gloves protect against burns, while chemical-resistant gloves ensure the skin stays unaffected by hazardous liquids.

Types of Gloves

  • Welding gloves for high-heat operations
  • Chemical-resistant gloves for handling solvents
  • Cotton gloves for general maintenance

5. Goggles

Purpose: Safeguards eyes from injuries and harmful exposure.

Whether working around high-intensity sparks during welding or handling materials prone to splashes, goggles ensure that crew members protect their eyes, one of the most sensitive parts of the body. Popular safety options include welding goggles for UV rays and transparent goggles for general operations.

Key Features

  • Anti-fog and scratch-resistant lenses
  • UV protection for welding tasks
  • Adjustable straps for secure fitting

6. Ear Muffs or Plugs

Purpose: Reduces noise exposure to protect hearing.

The ship’s engine room often produces noise levels of 110-120 decibels, which can damage hearing within minutes. Ear muffs and plugs cushion workers’ ears, making loud environments bearable and reducing the likelihood of irritation or hearing loss.

Key Features

  • Noise-dampening capabilities
  • Comfortable fit for prolonged usage
  • Lightweight and portable designs

7. Safety Harness

Purpose: Prevents falls from elevated areas.

Routine ship operations like painting, maintenance, or inspections often require crew members to work at height. Safety harnesses are essential to avoid falls, especially when working on masts or scaffolding. These harnesses are secured both to the worker and a strong anchor point for stability.

Key Features

  • Adjustable straps for comfort
  • Secure, high-strength anchors
  • Lightweight design

8. Face Masks

Purpose: Prevents inhalation of hazardous particles.

Materials like insulation, paints, or carbon particles can severely impact respiratory health if inhaled directly. Crew members use face masks to filter out harmful particles, ensuring clean, breathable air.

Key Features

  • N95-grade filtration for superior protection
  • Lightweight, breathable material
  • Easy-to-fit elastic bands

9. Chemical Suit

Purpose: Protects from harmful chemical exposure.

Certain shipboard tasks involve working with corrosive or toxic chemicals. The chemical suit provides complete body coverage, serving as an impermeable shield to dangerous substances and reducing the risk of direct contact with the skin.

Key Features

  • Fully sealed seams for maximum protection
  • Resistant to chemical wear

10. Welding Shield

Purpose: Protects the face and eyes during welding tasks.

Repair activities onboard ships often involve welding for structural maintenance. Welding shields or masks are crucial to guard the face and eyes from ultraviolet rays, high-impact sparks, and molten materials.

Key Features

  • UV-resistant lenses
  • Heat-resistant materials
  • Adjustable strap and shield angles

Why is PPE Crucial Onboard Ships?

Failing to use the appropriate PPE drastically increases the risk of accidents. Each item on this list is designed to protect specific parts of the body, ensuring that seafarers can operate confidently and without fear.

Equally important is fostering a culture of safety onboard. Captains and crew members must remain vigilant and committed to wearing PPE not just for regulations but for their own well-being and that of their team.

Final Thoughts

Personal Protective Equipment is not just a requirement but a lifesaver for crew members working in the unpredictable environment of ships. By using these 10 essential PPE items, seafarers can significantly minimize risks, maintain their health, and work more efficiently.