Knowledge to Elevate
When a vessel changes ownership and/or manager, it can take some considerable time before the new crew and management are fully familiar with the vessel. Familiarisation starts as soon as ship’s staff get onboard and must be completed before sailing.
The ISM Code requires that all crew receive a proper familiarisation on the vessel prior to sailing.
ISM Code 6.3 The Company should establish procedures to ensure that new personnel and personnel transferred to new assignments related to safety and protection of the environment are given proper familiarization with their duties. Instructions which are essential to be provided prior to sailing should be identified, documented and given.
Members are reminded that to sail the vessel safely, be ready for the possible PSC inspection at the first port and the Club’s required condition survey, below are some essential areas to be familiar with.
Crew-familiarisation
General Routines– all Officers and Crew:
PPE Matrix
All alarm signals – General, Fire, MOB, Abandon Ship, CO2, etc.
All accesses and emergency escape routes
All watertight doors – all locations and alarm panel
Emergency muster – all emergency duties explained
Boat muster – lifeboat, liferaft, Marine Evacuation Systems launching procedures and duties explained
Fire detection system – locations of fire alarm panel and fire detectors and operation procedure
Automatic door release mechanisms on fire doors
Fire-fighting appliances – all locations and uses
Life-saving appliances – all locations and uses
First aid equipment
Pollution control
Security duties
Internal communication system
Enclosed space locations and entering procedure
Safety Data Sheets – all locations and uses
Location of SMS Manual and Safety Training Manual
DPA contact details
Deck Officer
Navigational Systems and Equipment
Telegraph and Bridge control of Main Engine (Changeover procedure to engine room control)
Thruster(s) control
Steering system – Manual, Auto-pilot, changeover to Emergency
Manoeuvring characteristics and stopping distances
Whistle controls
Navigational lights, signalling lamp and bridge search lights
Deck, overside and bridge lighting panels
GMDSS Equipment including VHF equipment
Course and Engine telegraph recorders
VDR
Bridge alarms and indicators
Cargo securing arrangement
Ballast system and ballast water management plan
Cargo space bilge system and water ingress alarm system
Fixed gas detection system
IG system
Ventilation system shutdowns
Deck machineries and lifting appliances control and emergency stops
Hatch covers operation
Mooring system
Engineering Officer
Main Engine start (from bridge, ECR and locally), changeover of Main Engine control
Generators (remote and local control, paralleling operation) and emergency diesel generator
Steering gear – Manual and changeover to Emergency mode
Oily water separator and engine room bilge system
Boilers
Purifiers
Main and emergency air compressors
Pumps start (Manual/Automatic/Stand-by)
Fuel and lub. oil transfer and bunkering procedure
M.E / D.G / Boiler fuel change
Engine room monitoring and alarm system
Restoring from electrical circuits trip
Quick closing valves and emergency shutdowns
Ballast system and ballast water management plan
IG system
Ventilation system
Deck machineries and lifting appliances control and emergency stops
Hatch covers operation
Deck Crew
Deck machineries and lifting appliances control and emergency stops
Hatch covers operation
Steering system
Mooring system
Cargo securing arrangement
Sounding arrangements of bilge and ballast
Engine Crew
Engine room equipment
Main and emergency air compressors
Quick closing valves and emergency shutdowns
Ballast system
Sounding arrangements of bilge
*Additional safety equipment as per vessel type: Polar Vessels, Oil Tankers, Chemical Tankers, Gas Tankers, Passenger Vessels, Helicopter operations, Fast Rescue Craft, Ro-Ro (Ventilation System), Ro-Ro Pax (Means of Access)
Familiarisation for a 100% change of crew requires extra attention. Bearing in mind all vessels are unique, Members should make sure they have the correct routine for their own vessels.
Source: West P&I Club
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