Why Are Marine Safety Management Systems Essential for Every Ship?

With the unending sea, the dancing waves, and the infinite sky, a ship voyage might look calm. At the same time, a ship in the sea is isolated and vulnerable to many dangers and far from immediate help. There are many factors that should be taken into account to ensure that our sea voyage is a safe one. For any mode of transportation, there are certain mandatory requirements done by the passengers to ensure safe travel. Likewise, marine transportation also requires strong safety management systems.

There are mandatory safety regulations issued by IMO for all ships including personal protective equipment to ensure that all the humans involved in the journey are protected and there is no environment or property damage. Personal safety could be started by careful movements while on the ship, and proper handling of the cargo and goods. This blog will give you a comprehensive account of the importance of safety management systems on the ship and some vital safety tips that will help you in your next ship journey.

Legal Framework in the UAE & International Regulations

The International Safety Management (ISM) Code, introduced by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is the foundation of shipboard safety worldwide. According to the ISM code, all commercial ships should maintain an organised Safety Management System.

Maritime safety is monitored by the Federal Transport Authority – Land & Maritime (FTA) and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) in the UAE. There are also official check-ups conducted by the local authorities called Port State Control (PSC) inspections.

Maintaining a safety management system is essential not only for the flag state compliance but also for the port state compliance. Without an active system, the ship is at the risk of detention, fines, or even losing the right to be on the waters. While international and UAE regulations set the standard, it’s the components of the Safety Management System that put those rules into action.

Key Components of Safety Management System

There are many policies and procedures that are included in the safety management system apart from the papers and documents, which ensure quick and coordinated response in the event of emergencies. Some of the components are mentioned below:

1. Safety and Environmental Policy: This is a written document from the company, ensuring safe practices to protect the marine environment.
2. Procedures for Safe Operations: Routine tasks like, safe marine navigation practices, mooring, cargo handling, or maintenance, to minimize risks.
3. Defines Communication Channels: A clear communication line with a distinct hierarchy is crucial for emergencies.
4. Maintenance and Documentation: Regular inspections and maintenance of safety gears and machinery with organised records including incident reports will contribute to improvement.
5. Training and Drills: Every crew member should go through mandatory training to ensure their competency and readiness to act under pressure.
   

   Marine Safety Tips every Seafarers should Know.

Apart from these mandatory regulations, there are many marine safety tips that should be known by all seafarers. These will help the voyagers to reduce risks, minimize accidents, and to ensure a safe trip. This blog will give you a comprehensive account on some important safety tips that will help you in your next ship journey.

1. Proper Use of Tools and its Placement
While carrying or handling any portable equipment or tools, the user’s hands should always be active with the tool. A tool belt should be available for the seafarers when they are climbing or descending a staircase with the tools. The tools could be carried in the bag so that their hands are free to ensure a firm grip.

All power tools and drills should be checked thoroughly before operating and professionals are recommended to operate them. All safety guards and gears should be set up before any work. Proper equipment and tools like portable fire extinguishers should be arranged by the marine firefighting suppliers before the voyage.

2. Physical Health of the Seafarer
Being a seafarer is challenging and they have a duty to be fit for duty for the sake of their fellow crew members and the ship. They need to be in their best physical condition and are aware of the basic essential skills that are relevant for performing their duties. They are expected to report injuries and other problems that may adversely affect their performance of the duties assigned to them.

3. Mooring
Mooring is the anchoring of a ship to the dock using deadweight anchors, chains, ropes, etc. This is one of the most dangerous processes if it is not conducted properly. All the passengers should be removed from the location during mooring.

4. Careful Movements
All the containers that are transported in the ship carrying heavy cargo must be secured. If not, these might move and will get damaged during unexpected lurches which could even harm others nearby.

There should be attention given to open hatches, railings without guards, and slippery deck floors. People might accidentally fall into such areas. There should be extra care given while walking across the ship in extreme weather conditions.

5.Personal Protective Equipment
This includes safety helmets, life jackets, life rafts, goggles, shoes, and more which are essential to keep individuals safe and protected from various dangers. Personal protective equipment is mandatory for all ships to ensure there will not be any dangerous fatalities due to the absence of equipment that is lifesaving.

These should be of good quality and purchased from authorized personal protective equipment suppliers and these equipment should undergo regular inspections to verify their functionality and should be replaced if damaged. All the crew must be well aware of the location of this equipment along with the necessary protocols associated with it.

6. Safety Equipment for the Crew
There must be life-saving devices available for the entire crew along with personal safety devices. Apparatuses like breathing devices, fire suits, fire extinguishers, lifeboats, and distress signals are crucial for emergencies. As mentioned above the crew should be given proper training and awareness to use the devices like communication equipment with the necessary protocols. There should be regular checkups of these devices to ensure their condition.

7.Food Safety
Every crew member should have good health for completing their journey and ensure the safety of all the people on board. Food safety is vital for the members to have healthy food and clean water as it is the source of the energy of the crew within the ship. There should be proper cleanliness along with good hygiene practices.

Assure Marine Safety with Aquamaris.

A ship sailing in the sea needs all the right equipment to keep it safe on board. By purchasing quality safety equipment, you can ensure that half of the precaution is completed. Aquamaris Trading is one of the pioneers in marine safety and personal protective equipment suppliers in the UAE. We are one of the leading suppliers and service providers in the Middle East region, offering NAVCOM, electrical and automation,on-deck equipment, marine fire fighting equipment, and more. Keeping safety as the top priority, all the equipment we provide is of the best quality, and the services are conducted by industry experts. We ensure to satisfy all your maritime needs and necessities under a single roof.

Safety at sea starts with the right partner. Whether you need cutting-edge firefighting systems or high-quality PPE, Aquamaris Trading has you covered.

FAQ

1.What are the most common causes of maritime injuries?
Slipping and falling on wet surfaces, equipment failures, fire accidents, falling cargo, chemical explosions, and fatigue-related injuries are the common causes of maritime injuries. Apart from that, lack of proper training, inadequate safety equipment, and not following proper protocols can also cause injuries and major accidents on deck.

2.What should I do if I get injured on a vessel?
Immediately notify the designated officer or supervisor. Seek medical attention on board, and document the incident thoroughly, including photos if possible. You may also want to consult a maritime legal advisor to understand your rights and entitlements.

3.Are shipowners legally required to cover my medical expenses?
Yes. Under maritime law, shipowners are obligated to cover the medical expenses of injured crew members until they reach maximum medical recovery.