Page 14: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (December 2023)

Maritime Safety – Safety Management Systems

Photo by Greg Trauthwein

Passenger Vessel Safety

How to design, implement, and improve your SMS t’s been four years since the fatal Conception dive boat must include clearly de? ned safety and environmental protec- ? re claimed 34 lives off the California coast, prompt- tion policies, safe operating procedures, and the business’ levels ing the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of authority, alongside other speci? c guidance that ensure ongo-

Ito renew its efforts to improve passenger vessel safety ing safety in the enterprise. This document acts as a guiding light requirements. In light of this move, all passenger vessel op- for employees at all levels and establishes executive leadership’s erators should consider reevaluating their safety programs and commitment to compliance and continual improvement.

procedures to ensure relevant and all-encompassing protocols Though safety policies are unique to each business, there govern their vessels, of? ces, facilities, and anywhere else are three key features (aside from the components required by they may do business. This can be accomplished by ensuring law) that all SMSs should include to guarantee safe, produc- a strong Safety Management System (SMS). tive work environments:

Developing a robust SMS, which provides a framework for • Continual improvement measures: Sometimes called minimizing risks related to safety, security and environmen- “safety assurance” measures, continual improvement mea- tal dangers at every level of an organization, can help leaders sures are designed to evaluate the ongoing effectiveness of begin on this journey. An SMS outlines the organization’s ap- the SMS and any implemented risk control strategies.

proach to managing risk, plans to mitigate health and safety • Risk management program: The safety risk manage- issues, and roadmaps for addressing incidents that occur. It ment program includes procedures that help safety leaders also serves as a guide for employees, communicating the or- identify new risks and hazards as they arise, develop new con- ganization’s commitment to a safety-conscious culture. trols, and assess their ef? cacy.

• Cultural supports: Corporate culture is key to curating

The elements of a strong SMS a safe working environment. SMSs must include clear guid-

Maritime, aviation, rail, and other intermodal transportation ance on the company’s plans for training, communication, and methods serving critical infrastructure face a unique set of risks values to ensure that all employees understand the importance and liabilities when accidents occur. Incidents in this principal of workplace safety; why certain rules, regulations, and proto- can have far-reaching consequences on employees, operations, cols are in place; and the potential consequences of not adher- and could impact surrounding areas. As such, commercial and ing to the SMS’ guidance. passenger transportation operators are required by law to have a functional SMS that addresses their unique operations. Step by Step to a stronger SMS

A comprehensive SMS helps ensure the well-being of your To improve existing protocols, companies must engage in a employees, protects your assets, and maintains safe, secure en- robust implementation process: vironments for business operations. Per regulatory guidance, it 1. Establish a baseline of current performance.

14 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • December 2023

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