SuperbaKnowledge Demonstration release
Platforms
Superba ecosystem
SuperbaHubEcosystem overview — how the environments connect, and the architecture behind them
Live demonstrations
Superba KnowledgeYou are hereOperational maritime knowledge
Carbon Easy MapsMaritime decarbonisation, mappedPSC Easy MapsPort State Control, understood as a system
Training
LearningTraining delivery
ENIT
Superba ecosystem
SuperbaHubEcosystem overview — how the environments connect, and the architecture behind them
Live demonstrations
Superba KnowledgeYou are hereOperational maritime knowledge
Carbon Easy MapsMaritime decarbonisation, mappedPSC Easy MapsPort State Control, understood as a system
Training
LearningTraining delivery
Home › Dry Dock › Hot Work Permit at the Shipyard: Ship-Dock Coordination
Operational guide · Operational procedure

Hot Work Permit at the Shipyard: Ship-Dock Coordination

Enclosed-space entry criteria are not Safe for Hot Work criteria; certifier, atmosphere/residue limits, isolation, adjacent-space tests and retest frequency follow host-yard law and the coordinated permit system.

hot work permitfire watchshipyarddry dock safety

Operational Explanation

Enclosed-space entry criteria are not Safe for Hot Work criteria; certifier, atmosphere/residue limits, isolation, adjacent-space tests and retest frequency follow host-yard law and the coordinated permit system.

Regulatory Reference

Host jurisdiction and yard law; ship SMS; MSC.581(110) only for concurrent enclosed-space entry; OSHA 29 CFR 1915.14 only as a US example.

Scope of Application

Hot work during repair. Authorized person depends on jurisdiction, space history/type and yard duties; an SMS designation cannot override marine chemist/local statutory certification.

Procedure / How to Complete It

  1. Identify host law, yard permit and authorized certifier.
  2. Test residues, atmosphere, adjacent/connected spaces and oxygen enrichment to hot-work criteria.
  3. Isolate systems and establish fire watch/communications.
  4. Retest at required frequency and after condition changes.
  5. A ship officer performs only checks expressly authorised within competence.
  6. Use actual yard/SMS risk categories, not universal minor/moderate/major.

Practical Example

A tank may be safe for entry but not safe for ignition work; hot-work certification follows the competent person required by local law.

What Typically Goes Wrong

Using MSC.581 entry values as a universal hot-work certificate or allowing any SMS-designated officer to declare gas-free despite statutory certifier requirements.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

MistakeConsequenceHow to Avoid It
Using MSC.581 entry values as a universal hot-work certificate or allowing any SMS-designated officer to declare gas-free despite statutory certifier requirements.Non-compliant decision or treatmentFollow the approved arrangement and applicable sources

What the PSCO Checks

Evidence of the approved arrangement, procedures, records, competence, defect management and consistency with statutory/class/maker requirements.

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

Does safe for entry mean safe for hot work?
No.
May an SMS officer always certify?
Only if law and permit system authorise that person for the scope.
Does MSC.581 set hot-work thresholds?
No; it addresses entry controls.

Related Topics

Permit to Work SystemManaging Shipyard Repair Contracts

Last substantive revision of this page: 31 August 2026 · page fingerprint 6d17b0c0fcb8