SAFETY FIRST!
from the SQE Department
Message from the DPA:
Safety starts with communication Dear seafarers,
Is there anything more the shore team can do to support you and your team’s wellbeing?
The pandemic that came into our lives during 2020 has created change and raised concerns for not only our own health, but also for the health of our colleagues and our loved ones.
Do you have enough PPE to keep the crew safe and healthy? Have you had any difficulties with visitors complying with our procedures to keep the vessel a safe place to live and work?
However, our concerns are not only about health issues. The economic impact of these unprecedented events will be felt for some time to come. Under the circumstances, being resilient will help us to adapt. Enhance your resilience by talking openly, something that seems more essential now than ever.
Elli Moretti
Ask yourself and your colleagues: How is life onboard for you and the team? What is morale like on board? Are you receiving enough information and support regarding the COVID19 pandemic?
Do you feel our people are still 'switched on' to the possibility of accidents and incidents? Do you feel their safety vigilance and reporting is strong? While serving on board during these weird times I urge you more than ever to discuss issues amongst yourselves and convey your opinions to head office without any hesitation. Talk to, listen to and learn from each other; RESET safety! I wish you safe voyages and a safe return home. Elli Moretti
Are you getting the necessary provisions?
New Health & Safety Campaign Over the past few years, the Shipping Industry has considered the process of collecting and circulating Best Practices to be a vital tool for continuously improving Company Safety Culture. Thus, our Company has recently launched a Health & Safety campaign on the topic of Safety Best Practices in common areas of Risk Assessment across the Fleet. The purpose of this campaign is to identify areas for improvement and to increase Safety Awareness on this important issue and thus ensure the Continuous Improvement of Safety Onboard. Masters are asked to inform and motivate their Officers and Crew on how to report best practices with cases from their daily routine on which safe practices can be improved. Even though this is a voluntary effort, crews should be vigilant in reporting any practices that may enhance crew safety & welfare, improve onboard living standards, or provide environmental protection that could also be adopted by other
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Issue 74-December 2020
fleet vessels. The goal is to receive ONE Best Practice from each vessel per month. With this practice, we will gradually collect a large pool of safety ideas that can be implemented across the Fleet and meet relevant Shipping Industry requirements. All Best Practices will be recorded at Head Office and will be evaluated by the corresponding Office Staff. The ones that are considered to be the most beneficial will be circulated to the Fleet. Where appropriate, best practices will also be incorporated into our Company SMS. Finally, we wish to reward this voluntary effort every 6 months as follows: • The Top 5 Best Practices will be published in our Wavelength Safety Bulletin by nominal recognition. • The whole crew of the vessel with the BEST of the Top Best Practices will also be awarded free internet or calling cards as a token of appreciation / recognition of their efforts in this Campaign.
