Page 22: of Marine News Magazine (March 2016)

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COLUMN REGULATORY WATCH change, if needed, for issues regarding safety of the crew M S : ISSION TATEMENT

LEAR ONCISE AND ASY TO EMEMBER and/or vessel, and of the environment. Any crewmember C , C , E R who feels that a safety concern is not being addressed can Myriad other items also need to be included in your reach out to the DPA who will then listen to their concern, management system. Each of these items could be the investigate its merits, and ? nd a solution if needed. The subject of a valuable article, in and of itself. Lastly, when

DPA also must have access to resources to implement a reviewing you management plan, make sure your compa- solution or plan when warranted. ny’s overall mission statement is short, clear, and easy to

Personnel need to understand who this person is, his or remember; the fewer words, the better. Everyone on board her purpose and why they might contact this individual. should have a clear understanding as to the company’s

The contact information should be posted on all vessels principal goals. Ultimately, that’s the route to becoming a and in all of? ces. Resources necessary for this person to Responsible Carrier.

perform his or her job as DPA cannot be withheld. In fact, failure to have a designated DPA is a show stopper;

Captain Katharine Sweeney is CEO it effectively negates the whole system. From a legal per- of Compliance Maritime, provider spective, lack of a performing DPA is the equivalent of of independent internal auditing handing a blank check to a plaintiff. Imagine having an of security, safety, quality and employee that reports an unsafe condition on a vessel to environmental management systems the company’s DPA, but without any follow-up from said for vessel operators. Captain Sweeney is an experienced

DPA, followed by a later injury or circumstance related to

Master Mariner, safety expert and federally licensed pilot the condition that gives rise to a claim. A potentially bad with over 25 years in the Maritime Industry. Contact her situation has developed into a far worse one, both morally at [email protected] and legally.

March 2016 22 MN

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