Answer SSEP Question 22

Q22. With reference to “ISM Code” write short notes on:

A. Masters Review,

B. Requirement and Advantages of Familiarization of seafarer onboard,

C. Designated Person Ashore (DPA)

D. Functional requirements for a Safety Management System.

Answer: A. Masters Review:

Element 5 of ISM code demonstrates the Masters responsibility and authority, one of the important aspect of masters' responsibility is to review the SMS and reporting its deficiencies to the shore based management.

In this regard the Company should clearly define and document the master's responsibility with regard to master's review of SMS.

Masters review is generally a combined effort of the ship crew and officers who suggest the master of potential improvements to the SMS which is documented and submitted by the master to the company.

Companies have a set frequency where such reviews are sent ashore at particular time interval.

Usually a Master joining a vessel will conduct a review of the SMS establishing the current status of the SMS and identifying areas of improvement. In consultation with the DPA necessary steps are taken to implement them.

B. Requirement and Advantages of Familiarization of seafarer onboard:

Under ISM element 6, Resources and personnel the need for familiarization of seafarers is highlighted.

The Company should establish procedures to ensure that new personnel and personnel transferred to new assignments related to safety and protection of the environment are given  proper familiarization with their duties. Instructions which are essential to be provided prior to sailing should be identified, documented and given.

The Company should ensure that all personnel involved in the Company's SMS have an adequate understanding of relevant rules, regulations, codes and guidelines.

The Company should establish and maintain procedures for identifying any training which may be required in support of the SMS and ensure that such training is provided for all personnel concerned.

The Company should establish procedures by which the ship's personnel receive relevant information on the SMS in a working language or languages understood by them.

The Company should ensure that the ship's personnel are able to communicate effectively in the execution of their duties related to the SMS. Advantages of Familiarization

Crew member is aware of life- saving aspects as emergency escapes, LSA and operation of critical lifesaving equipment like lifeboat, life raft, firefighting, PPE etc.

Crew member are familiarized about their safety number, safety duties and their muster station in case of any emergency which will help them survive any unsafe situation.

Familiarizing about the ship & company specific safety requirements like isolation procedures, various forms,check lists and procedures will aid in the seafarer understand their roles and responsibilities.

C. Designated Person Ashore (DPA):

To ensure the safe operation of each ship and to provide a working link between the company and those on board, every company, as appropriate, should designate a person or persons ashore having direct access to the highest level of management. 

The responsibility and authority of the designated person or persons should include monitoring the safety and pollution prevention aspects of, the operation of each ship and to ensure that adequate resources and shore based support are applied, as required.

DPA are always accessible to all crew and officers of the fleet who can be contacted for any kind of assistance required.

D. Functional requirements for a Safety Management System:

The functional requirements of a safety management system must include: -

(a) A well-documented protocol for the company's safety and environmental protection policy;
(b) Instructions and procedures to provide direction for the safe operation of the vessel and protection of the environment in compliance with the applicable international conventions and flag State legislation.
(c) Documents showing the levels of authority and lines of communication between shore side and shipboard personnel;
(d) Procedures for reporting accidents, near accidents, and non-conformities with provisions of the company's and vessel's safety management system, and the ISM Code;
(e) Procedures to prepare for and respond to emergency situations by shore side and shipboard personnel;
(f) Procedures for internal audits on the operation of the company and vessel(s) safety management system; and
(g) Procedures and processes for management review of company internal audit reports and correction of non-conformities that are reported by these or other reports.