General

  2. Each operator should create a safe working environment, which should include the following:

A health and safety protection policy.

• 2.1 This must address the issues of health, safety and the environment as they affect the company and its staff, both ashore and afloat. Such a policy might read along the following lines:

  "The policy of (name of Company/Owner) is to conduct its activities taking full account of the health and safety of its employees and of all persons using or connected with the Company/Owner. In implementing this policy, (name of Company/Owner) will ensure that the [vessel] is, at all times, properly maintained and operated by qualified personnel in full compliance with relevant legislation. In particular the [Company/Owner] will carry out an assessment of the risks to the health and safety of workers and others affected by [the undertaking], and will take the necessary measures to minimise the risks identified."

• 2.2 The owner/operator is recommended to develop and implement an oil management plan to the same standard as the garbage management plan and to integrate it with the Health and Safety Protection Policy. This is not required for vessels over 400GT, for which an IOPP certificate is required.

Procedures to ensure safe operation of vessels in compliance with the regulations and rules.

• 2.3 The regulations and rules, not addressed by this Code of Practice, which apply to all vessels include but are not limited to:

  • International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea;
  • Local Navigation Rules;
  • National health and safety regulations;
  • The Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen;
  • All relevant national shipping or guidance notices.

  • 2.3.1 The company should draw up simple procedures to ensure that safe working practices are carried out in the operation of the vessel. These may be in the form of checklists which can be followed by all personnel.

  • 2.3.2 For some vessels, it might be appropriate to have permanently exhibited checklists, e.g. in the wheelhouse for navigational items. Alternatively, in a smaller vessel, the record could take any suitable form such as a diary as distinct from a specially printed logbook. Whatever form the record takes, such entries should be accepted as evidence of compliance with the ONBOARD PROCEDURES requirements.

Lines of communication between personnel, ashore and afloat.

• 2.4 Responsibility and authority of each employee should be clear. This may be best illustrated in a simple diagram, showing who reports to whom.

Procedures for reporting accidents.

• 2.5 The requirement for reporting accidents should be well understood by all personnel and in so doing improve the safety culture practiced on board.

Procedures for responding to emergency situations.

• 2.6 There should be clearly stated procedures for responding to emergency situations. These may include but not be limited to:

  • fire
  • collision
  • grounding
  • violent act
  • main propulsion or steering failure
  • man overboard

  • 2.6.1 Checklists may be useful in this regard.