While the voting procedure for the 2018 SAFETY4SEA Awards is open, Capt. Spiros A. Vlachos, Shipping Manager, Carras (Hellas) S.A. explains how the Greek-based company has achieved high safety and quality standards, for which it has been shortlisted in the ‘Dry Bulk Operator’ category alongside a number of other distinguished nominees. One of the key factors is the high retention rate of company’s seafarers; many of their Captains and Chief Engineers have been with Carras (Hellas) S.A since they were cadets / apprentices out of their respective Marine Academies, Capt. Vlachos mentions. Above all, continuous investment in their safety education and training is vital for creating a proper safety culture for the future, he comments.
SAFETY4SEA: Your organization has been shortlisted for the 2018 SAFETY4SEA Awards in the ‘Dry Bulk Operator’ category alongside a number of other distinguished nominees. What is the background and the key drivers behind this nomination/shortlisting?
Capt.Spiros A. Vlachos: This short listed nomination is an honor for our Company because it reflects the industry’s recognition of our efforts. Such an award would certainly provide a further inspiration and motivation to all our personnel, both at sea and ashore, for a continuous improvement of our safety culture and standards.
S4S: When it comes to tackling the safety challenges around the shipping sector, what are the key priorities on your agenda?
Capt.Sp.V: Carras (Hellas) S.A. is currently managing a fleet of thirteen (13) Dry Bulk Cargo vessels of various types, ultramax, supramax, kamsarmax and capesizes. The vast majority were built in Japanese shipyards. Seven (7) of them were delivered within the last two (2) years, designed with very modern and ecofriendly specifications.
S4S: Which best practices would you recommend from your perspective to enhance safety performance onboard and ashore?
Capt.Sp.V In our Organization, we believe that the human element is a key factor in order to tackle the safety challenges in the shipping sector. The Company’s culture has been for years to support and provide career opportunities to young seafarers, so is committed in investing in their safety education and training, thus creating a “pool” of safety cautious and competent Officers and ranks. The retention rate of our seafarers is very high and we take pride that a large number of our Captains and Chief Engineers have been with our Company since they were cadets / apprentices out of their respective Marine Academies.
S4S: Do you have any new projects on the pipeline and/or plans, related with your safety performance that you would like to share with the industry?
Capt.Sp.V The Company’s high safety and quality standards have led to a “clean record” for all our managed vessels with respects to various inspections and vettings performed by third parties such are PSCs, Flag Administrations, Rightship, etc. Our PSCI ratio, is well below the trade’s benchmark.
S4S: What is your key message for enhancing safety culture onboard?
Capt.Sp.V During the last five (5) years, six (6) vessels managed by Carras (Hellas) S.A. operating in the USA Market, have been awarded with the distinction QUALSHIP 21 by the USCG. As best practices in order to enhance safety performance onboard we would recommend the continuous investment on the safety training of the personnel, especially the first comers in the trade, thus creating the proper safety culture for the future. The immediate familiarization and implementation of any new Regulations that enter our trade, as BMSA, Cyber Security etc, without waiting for deadlines, is also a very important factor to our Organization. Last but not least, we at Carras (Hellas) S.A. thrive in creating the safest and most environmental friendly environment for our people and our vessels.
You may cast your vote for Carras (Hellas) S.A. at 2018 SAFETY4SEA Awards dedicated webpage till 7th of September 2018!
The views presented hereabove are only those of the author and not necessarily those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.