I was under the impression that OSHA had no authority on commercial vessels because the USCG retained sole authority over work rules and such but a captain I work with swears that OSHA does have authority on boats. So whats the deal?
Your captain is correct.
“On January 9, 2002, in Chao v Mallard Bay Drilling, the Supreme Court held that OSHA does have jurisdiction over uninspected vessels, putting the issue to rest at last.”
From a maritime consulting website.
But only on uninspected vessels? If you have a COI OSHA has no jurisdiction?
[QUOTE=Capt. Schmitt;56632]But only on uninspected vessels? If you have a COI OSHA has no jurisdiction?[/QUOTE]
Here is a link to probably more information than you ever wanted to know on this issue:
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=1526&p_table=DIRECTIVES
OSHA only has jurisdiction while in a US Shipyard for inspected Vessels. Shipmate 1