DATE: 7th October 2025
According to the Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011, workplaces must provide a safe working environment for employees, which includes protection from UV related harm.
Sun exposure can cause permanent and irreversible damage to the skin and eyes. Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the leading cause of skin cancer in Australia.
Solar UVR is a hazard when working in the sun, and exposure can be made worse when reflected off certain surfaces and materials. Solar UVR can be at hazardous levels year-round in Australia, not only in summer.
The Australasian Marine Pilots Institute (AMPI) supports the growing call for sun-shelters on bridge wings for marine pilots. These shelters are essential for improving safety, comfort, and efficiency on board ships, particularly for pilots who often spend extended periods exposed to harsh elements while navigating vessels.
Key Benefits of Sun-Shelters for Marine Pilots:
- Protection from the Elements: Sun-shelters provide crucial protection against intense sun, rain, and wind, helping pilots remain focused and effective in all weather conditions.
- Enhanced Safety and Visibility: A sheltered space ensures pilots can maintain optimal visibility and concentration without being distracted by adverse weather, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting safer vessel operations.
- Improved Comfort and Efficiency: A more comfortable working environment can reduce fatigue, allowing pilots to perform their duties with greater precision and efficiency. Research, such as findings from Panama Canal regulations, has shown that shielding pilots from the elements can lead to enhanced performance.
AMPI remains committed to advocating for improved working conditions that enhance the safety and performance of marine pilots.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Captain Josephine Clark
president@ampi.org.au
President
AMPI
OR
Emma Oxenbridge
emma.oxenbridge@ampi.org.au
Conference & Marketing Manager
AMPI
References and further reading:
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-1997-title35-vol1/pdf/CFR-1997-title35-vol1-sec103-19.pdf
Port of Townsville Bridge Wing Shelters for protection of Pilots & Crew