Editorial (12)
It makes sense that a ship should be designed and built with the user and the operational task in mind, taking into account the environmental conditions that it is likely to encounter during its working life.
It makes sense that experienced crew should stand by during the build to ensure that the ship and its systems are ultimately ‘fit for purpose’, and that the crew should be familiar with their ship well before it leaves the builder’s yard.
It makes sense that the ship should be sufficiently manned to ensure its safe operation.
It makes sense for crew members to be competent to operate the ship and its systems, in accordance with the requirements of international conventions and industry guidelines.
It makes sense for those who are involved in the design, build, regulation and management of ships and their systems, to have an understanding of the ‘ways of the sea’.
It makes sense to ensure that handbooks and operating instruc- tions take into account the different nationalities, languages and cultures of seafarers; and that they are set out in a clear and simple manner, are not technically complicated and are easily understood.
It makes sense that seafarers are able to communicate effectively in the execution of their duties; and that their knowledge of the English language is sufficient to be able to communicate safety messages both internally and externally, and during normal and abnormal situations.
It makes sense to invest in quality not only through compliance with international conventions but also through self-regulation and voluntary commitment to industry standards and codes of practice.
It makes sense to invest in people by encouraging the highest standards of education and training and a common spirit of professionalism in the industry; and by providing the seafarer with a safe, happy and healthy working and living environment, and fair terms of employment.
It makes sense to keep the Human Element under review throughout the lifecycle of any ship to take account of changes in its role, its operating pattern, system updates, improved technology and new regulation.
It makes sense for all responsible stakeholders to work together to ensure that ultimately the master and his crew have the right tools in place, and are properly trained, to ensure the safe conduct of the ship, and the safe and timely delivery of its cargo.
...It's Common Sense