Sydney, Australia, boasts one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, criss-crossed daily by passenger ferry boats, which are part of the State Transit Fleet of public transportation for commuters and tourists alike.

Sydney Harbor ferry skippers can now enjoy a clearer view of the waterway, thanks to innovative use of fall protection from MSA.

The safety specialist for the ferries has installed all-round Horizontal Lifeline Systems to the elevated sections of double-deck ferries in the fleet: all three Manly jetcats (faster vehicles used to cross the most open waters of the harbor) and nine First Fleet inner harbor ferries. Rivercats may also receive the new height safety system.

MSA Australia’s product manager for height safety, Gavan Duff, said the lifeline and harness system protects Sydney Ferries workers involved in essential maintenance and cleaning operations between passenger journeys.

“On the longer harbor runs, salt spray builds up on the outside of the fixed bridge windows, obscuring vision,” he said. “To clean the windows, engineering or maintenance personnel have to climb up the outside of the structure. Now, this new Horizontal Lifeline System provides fall protection for them as they clean windows or perform other maintenance on the boats.”

He said that fitting the height safety system to the First Fleet vessels presented a particular challenge. “The structural design of the bridge area meant we were unable to use our standard mounting brackets. But MSA was able to design, manufacture, and install a unique support system to complete the job.”

MSA’s height safety experts have created an educational training program to instruct maintenance personnel and ship engineers how to use the system correctly. A full safety procedures manual is also being written for State Transit ferry staff. About 20 vessels of three different classes run non-stop seven days a week.

Without a doubt, no one visiting Australia for the Olympic Games will miss a chance to take a Sydney ferry!