In collaboration with

Southfield Agencies, Inc.

Introduction to Safe
Working Practices
 Learning Objectives
• Master the Fundamentals: Understand the importance of safe working practices for

crew safety, environmental protection, and cargo security. Grasp the role of the ISM

Code and its core elements in achieving these goals.

• Ensure Compliance: Recognize the differences between DOC and SMC

certificates, and the roles of Flag State and Port State Control in verifying compliance

with safety regulations.

 Learning Objectives
• Embrace Safety Culture: Identify the benefits of safe working practices for crew

health, the environment, and economic factors. Understand toolbox meetings,

contributing to risk identification, mitigation strategies, and open communication.

 Introduction
• Safe working practices are essential for crew safety, environmental protection, and

cargo security. These practices minimize risks by identifying hazards and

implementing controls.

• The International Safety Management (ISM) Code provides a framework for shipping

companies to establish a Safety Management System (SMS). Think of the ISM Code

as the blueprint, and safe working practices as the specific building blocks that follow

the blueprint.
 The ISM Code
• The ISM Code mandates companies to develop an SMS

with policies, procedures, and practices that ensure safe

ship operation. Safe working practices are the core of

these procedures. The code doesn't dictate specific

practices, but requires companies to identify hazards and

create safe methods for their unique operations.

 The ISM Code - Frameworks
The ISM Code sets the framework, while safe working practices are the specific

actions crew members take to achieve safety goals making a comprehensive

system for a safe and healthy work environment at sea:

1. Commitment from Top Management:

The cornerstone of the ISM Code is the commitment from the company's top

management to safety. This translates to providing necessary resources,

fostering a safety culture, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

 The ISM Code - Framework
2. Safety Policy:

The company must establish a clear

and documented safety policy that

outlines the company's commitment to

safety and pollution prevention. This

policy should be communicated to all

personnel ashore and onboard.

 The ISM Code - Framework
3. Safety Risk Assessment:

The SMS should include procedures

for identifying potential safety risks

onboard including risks associated

with ship operation, cargo handling,

weather conditions, and human error.

Once identified, appropriate

safeguards must be implemented to mitigate these risks.

 The ISM Code - Framework
4. Safe Working Procedures:

The SMS should establish clear

and documented safe working

procedures for all onboard

operations. These procedures

should cover tasks like cargo

handling, maintenance, navigation, emergency response, and life-saving

appliance
 The ISM Code - Framework
5. Reporting of Accidents and Near Misses:

The SMS should encourage the reporting

of accidents, near misses, and unsafe

situations. This allows for investigation,

corrective actions, and prevention of

future incidents. A culture of open communication where crew members feel

comfortable reporting without fear of reprisal is crucial.

 The ISM Code - Framework
6. Training and Drills:

Crew members must receive proper training in

accordance with STCW (Standards of Training,

Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers)

regulations. This training equips them with

the necessary skills and knowledge to operate the ship safely and respond

effectively to emergencies. Regular drills are essential to reinforce these skills

and ensure crew familiarity with emergency procedures.

 The ISM Code - Framework
7. Maintenance and Inspection:

The SMS should establish procedures for the

regular maintenance and inspection of the ship,

its equipment, and life-saving appliances. This

ensures everything is in proper working order and

ready for use in an emergency.

 The ISM Code - Framework
8. Continuous Improvement:

The SMS should be a dynamic system that undergoes continuous review and

improvement. The company should analyze gathered data from incidents, audits,

and feedback to identify areas for improvement and enhance the overall

safety management system.

 Regulations
• IMO A. 647 (16) Guidelines on Safety Management Code Adopted on 19th

October 1999

• IMO A. 680 (17) Guidelines on Safety Management Adopted on 06th November

1991

• IMO A. 741 (18) International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships

and for Pollution Prevention Adopted on 04th November 1993

 Regulations
• 24th May 1994, The Marine Safety Committee (MSC) and the new chapter IX of

The Safety of Life at Sea was made mandatory for all ships above 500 GRT.
 Certifications
Document of Compliance (DOC):

This certificate is issued by a recognized organization to

a shipping company after verifying that the company’s

shore-side aspects of the SMS comply with the

requirements of the ISM Code. It's specific to the ship

types the company operates with the approved

Safety Management System.

 Certifications
Safety Management Certificate (SMC): This certificate

is issued for an individual ship of a DOC-holding

company. It confirms that the company and its shipboard

personnel operate the ship in accordance with the

approved SMS. An SMC is issued after a successful

audit onboard the vessel to verify compliance with the

company's SMS.
 Certifications
!! A Ship Management Company receives the DOC, while each individual ship

receives its own SMC. !!

** The DOC confirms the company's shore-side SMS is compliant, while the SMC

verifies the onboard implementation of the SMS on a specific ship. **

 Compliance and Implementation
1. Flag State Administration (FSA):

The Flag State, is the country where the

ship is registered, has the primary

responsibility for ensuring compliance

with the ISM Code. It appoints

authorized bodies or Recognized

Organizations (ROs) to conduct audits

and issue certificates.

 Compliance and Implementation
- DOC Audits: ROs conduct audits of the company's shore-based safety

management system to verify its compliance with the ISM Code requirements.

This involves reviewing company policies, procedures, training records, and

ensuring proper documentation exists for the SMS.

- Verification of Implementation: During DOC audits, ROs might also conduct

limited onboard verification checks to see if the company's SMS is being

implemented on its ships.

 Compliance and Implementation
2. Port State Control (PSC):

Port State Control authorities from countries where the

ship calls at port can also conduct inspections to verify

compliance with the ISM Code. These inspections

focus on the onboard implementation of the SMS on a

specific ship.
 Compliance and Implementation
- SMC Verification: PSC officers might review the ship's Safety Management

Certificate (SMC) and supporting documentation. They can also conduct

onboard inspections to verify if the crew is following the company's approved

SMS procedures. This may involve observing crew drills, checking

maintenance records, and interviewing crew members about their

understanding of the SMS.

 Compliance and Implementation
- Consequences of Non-Compliance:

If deficiencies are found during audits or inspections, the Flag State or Port

State Control authorities can take corrective actions, which may include:

- Issuing warnings or detentions

- Requiring corrective actions from the company

- Withdrawing the DOC or SMC

 Compliance and Implementation
Additional Measures:

Internal Audits: Shipping companies are also encouraged to conduct internal audits of

their SMS to identify areas for improvement and ensure ongoing compliance.

This two-pronged approach of Flag State and Port State inspections, combined with

internal audits, creates a rigorous system for ensuring companies follow their DOC and

ships operate according to their approved SMC.

 Crew Safety and Health
• Reduced Accidents and Injuries:

Following safe procedures minimizes risks associated with operating the ship,

handling cargo, and exposure to hazardous materials. This significantly reduces

the likelihood of crew members getting injured or falling ill onboard.

 Crew Safety and Health
• Enhancing Crew Competency:

Improved Emergency Response: Proper training and drills ensure crew

members

have the knowledge and skills to handle emergencies effectively. This can mean

the difference between a safe outcome and a potential disaster.

 Safeguarding the Environment
• Pollution Prevention:

Safe handling of waste, cargo, and fuel minimizes the

risk of spills and environmental damage. Following

proper procedures protects marine ecosystems and

coastal communities.
 Ensuring Cargo Security
• Minimized Damage:

Safe cargo handling practices prevent cargo from being damaged during loading,

transport, and unloading. This protects the value of the cargo and avoids financial

losses.
 Maintaining Seaworthiness
• Reduced Maintenance Issues:

Following proper procedures for equipment use and maintenance keeps the ship

in

good working order, preventing breakdowns and potential accidents at sea.

 Economic Benefits
• Lower Insurance Premiums:

A strong safety record can lead to lower insurance premiums for shipping

companies.

• Reduced Downtime:

Fewer accidents and injuries mean less downtime for investigations and crew

member recovery, leading to increased efficiency.

 Overall Safety Culture
• Improved Morale:

Working in a safe environment fosters a positive crew morale and reduces

stress on board.

• Reduced Crew Turnover:

A strong safety culture can attract and retain qualified seafarers.

 Tool Box Meeting
Toolbox meetings are a vital part of

shipboard safety. These are short, focused

discussions ensure everyone's on the

same page about upcoming tasks, potential

hazards, and how to mitigate risks.

 Tool Box Meeting
Meeting Objectives:

• Improve safety awareness for the crew.

• Review procedures and risk assessments for a specific job.

• Discuss the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Facilitate open communication about safety concerns.

 Tool Box Meeting
Meeting Structure:

1. Introduction: The leader (often the Chief Engineer or department head) will

welcome participants and introduce the topic of the meeting. This could be

maintenance work, cargo handling, anchoring, or any other relevant activity.

 Tool Box Meeting
2. Job Discussion: The specific task is explained in detail, including:

- The purpose of the job

- When it was last done

- Breakdown of the job into steps or sub-tasks

- Assigning roles and responsibilities

 Tool Box Meeting
3. Risk Assessment: Crew members discuss potential hazards associated with the

job, including but not limited to:

- Slips, trips, and falls

- Working at heights

- Confined space entry

- Exposure to hazardous materials

- Using tools and machinery

 Tool Box Meeting
4. Risk Mitigation: The team talks about ways to minimize these risks. This might

involve using proper PPE, following safe work procedures, ensuring proper

ventilation, and having clear communication protocols.

5. Permit to Work: If the job requires a permit (e.g., hot work, enclosed space entry),

ensure everyone understands the permit's details and limitations.

 Tool Box Meeting
6. Open Discussion: Encourage questions and clarifications from the crew. This is a

chance to address any uncertainties and ensure everyone feels comfortable raising

safety concerns.

7. Meeting Conclusion: Briefly summarize the key points discussed, including safety

protocols and risk mitigation strategies.

Please take the course
quiz once ready.