This is in response to a global trend of increases in system deficiencies related to the requirements of the International Safety Management (ISM) code.
Systemic failures and deficiencies may lead to Port State Control detentions, pollution, or, at worst, to injuries and fatalities.
Key elements highlighted in the new booklet include the management of change, as well as work planning meetings and the importance of a Permit to Work system. The circular nature of the Safety Management System (SMS) is also emphasised.
Laurent Leblanc, BV’s marine operations vice president, said, “Increasingly marine casualties, incidents and risk are related to on board systems and safety management. The data and our experience shows this very clearly. For example, how many times have we read an example of an enclosed space incident where one, two or more seafarers have lost their lives? The approaches detailed in this guidance can help prevent accidents and the associated human, environmental and economic damage and losses.”
Carl Durow, London P&I Club loss prevention manager, commented:“The ISM code and its proper application is in many cases the yardstick against which the quality of an operation is measured. The Club’s loss prevention activities are in part focused on procedural compliance and it is hoped that this joint publication will assist our members to avoid incidents caused by systemic failures.”
Simon Burthem, TMC Marine COO, added that efficient management systems are vital in protecting personnel and the environment.“We hope that this guidance will help those on board and in management positions ashore to ensure that the safety management systems in place are effective and efficient. The combined experience of Bureau Veritas, the London P&I Club and our expertise at TMC provides the insight to understand what is required to reduce the risk of systemic failures.”
The first booklet in the ‘Reducing the Risk’ series, ‘Reducing the Risk of Liquefaction’, was published in March, 2017, followed by the second, ‘Reducing the Risk of Propulsion Loss’, which was released in September, 2017.
To date, more than 7,000 copies have been distributed to owners, managers and operators worldwide.