Michael Bourekas, Ceres LNG Services, on current QHSE challenges
Interview with Capt Michael Bourekas, Health, Safety, Security and Environment Manager of Ceres LNG Services Ltd, on current QHSE challenges.
Q: When did safety become an issue in the maritime industry?
A: Compliance with IMO’s code is mandatory since 1998. No compliance means no certification, thus threatening the very existence of the company. Compliance with is not a matter of company’s profile anymore. Companies that implement long term strategy don’t approach safety like a cost but rather like an investment. Safety for ‘high profile’ companies has been always a priority.
Q: How much do Safety regulations have changed in the recent years?
A: It’s like night and day. There is a huge difference both in the regulation span as well as in their qualitative characteristics. Nowadays, IMO, EU, US or other states issue constantly, a number of regulations that may be contradicting each other. It’s like a vicious circle. The problem is that there is not a single frame of interpretation. Maritime companies struggle to comply with all this stuff and there is a cost for this. Eventually the end consumer has to pay for this cost while safety levels are not necessarily higher.
Q: To what extend regulations can be implemented on board?
A: Regulations are indeed necessary on board, both those that deal with technical issues and those that have to do with the human element. The ISM code takes account of all these things. However, there is great hypocrisy on board. Big players like BP, Shell or ExxonMobil follow all these rules. They have a strong safety culture. Everything can be implemented but it’s a matter of cost and corporate policy. In the meantime the legal frame is quite hypocritical.
Q: Safety rules change really fast. How can the young mariners stay updated and the older get familiarized?
A: That’s a big issue. Even we, at the office, with all the information needed, we face some difficulties. Some things are taught in merchant marine academies but those that have to stay updated are the master, the chief engineer and the chief officer that form the senior shipboard management team on board. They are those that have to train the younger and supervise the implementation of corporate safety procedures. But it’s still a matter of corporate attitude. Does the company just forwards extra paper to the vessel or there is a complete, realistic safety system?
Q: Piracy is a major issue for the maritime community. In your view, which is the proper way to address this issue and protect crew? Can Piracy be eliminated?
A: Indeed piracy is a big issue. Unfortunately, we’ve reached a point where we’ve got security teams. Mariners are neither military men nor their job is to perform like security. Of course there is some training but security isn’t their job.
Most companies have unarmed security guards but others have gone a little bit further and prefer armed guards. This is a strange situation, because there is no legal frame, i.e. when the firearms will be used. And again, it is a matter of vessel command. The Master is the ultimate commander but in the same time there are armed men on board. That’s weird and a paradox.
We monitor the situation constantly, because there is always the chance that things change. Maybe pirates start using helicopters at some point. Who knows?
Regarding our company, last Easter, it was the first time we used unarmed guards. I was on board, to see how it works. They are really good in their job. We were satisfied and we started a cooperation that we think ‘immunises’ us towards piracy, up to a certain extent.
In addition, our vessels travel with a speed of 20 knots. It’s not easy to approach a vessel that travels with this speed. Furthermore, our crew is adequately trained and follows the instructions of security guards.
Fighting piracy is a matter of politics. It’s not the companies but governments that have to do something. Globally, there are no signs of change; neither the UN nor NATO and IMO do something.
This moment, there are approximately 30 vessels and 600 mariners held hostage. Imagine how many families live their own drama every single day. It’s a big social issue that affects both their families and the companies. However, there are no signs of regret.
On the other hand, maritime world shares a great part of the responsibility. If finally, they all decide that this area will be deviated; this will raise tremendously the freight rates. Consequently, all products will become more expensive, especially energy products. Then as a result consumers will protest and there will be a solution.
The problem can’t be solved with some dozens of warships in the sea. It is clear that piracy starts and has to end ashore.
Capt Michael Bourekas
Health, Safety, Security and Environment Manager of Ceres LNG Services Ltd
Ceres LNG Services Ltd. is a dedicated operator of LNG vessels
