Tag: safety management systems

IACS (International Association of Classification Societies) published its 2022 Annual Review which includes includes a broad range of articles on IACS’ work in 2022, with a strong emphasis on quality performance.

The IMO Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue Sub-Committee (NCSR) 10 will take place 10 – 19 May 2023 where all matters related to navigation and communication, search and rescue and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System will be discussed.

In 2018, ISO officially set the framework for strong workplace health and safety by bringing to life the much-anticipated ISO 45001.

AMSA issued a Maritime Safety Awareness Bulletin to highlight that a lack of planned maintenance can have a significant impact on the safety of the vessel, people, and the marine environment.

Incidents are a sad reality of every hazardous workplace, such as a ship, and their investigation is a key part of most Safety Management Systems. However, this investigation is not a simple task as it requires strict handling with respect to crew members’ wellbeing on the aftermath of traumatic events.

Safety and performance are often perceived as conflicting aspects of shipping. In the aftermath of an untoward event, typical safety interventions or fixes bring about more stringent procedures or more procedures, retraining, replacement of people, and changes to work conditions, argue Professor Andy Smith, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, and Dr Romanas Puisa, Thales Group.

While recovering the starboard accommodation ladder onboard a Hong Kong-flagged general cargo ship, a deck officer fell overboard from the last few steps of the ladder and was later found dead. Hong Kong MARDEP shared lessons learned from the incident.

TSB Canada released an investigation report into the grounding of the barge Lafarge Eagle while under tow of the tug Mauna Loa in the Fraser River, BC, on November 1, 2020. After investigation, TSB noted that an SMS is only effective at mitigating risks only if it includes a formal risk assessment process. 

RMI issued an investigation report on the fatal electrocution of a fitter onboard the tanker ANGEL 17 while underway in South Pacific in October 2020. After the incident, the company’s SMS was amended to require using insulating mats for any electrical welding in wet or damp areas.

Safety and its link to human factors is a multi-discussed issue for shipping, an industry, which has seen, several times, a simple omission leading to disastrous consequences. But how can safety management be properly implemented to minimize such adverse occurrences?