Ch 2.7.2
Did the SMS identify clear levels of authority and lines of communication between the Master, ship’s officers, ratings and the company, and were all onboard personnel familiar with these arrangements as they related to their position?
Applies to: Oil Tanker | Chemical Tanker | LNG | LPG
Potential Ground for Negative Observation (OBS)
• The SMS did not identify clear levels of authority and lines of communication between the Master, ship’s officers, ratings and the Company.
• A senior officer was not familiar with the lines of communication with the key members of the operator’s organisation ashore.
• An interviewed junior officer or rating was not aware of the identity, contact details and role of the DPA.
Checklist for You
1. Are all officers and ratings familiar with company SMS which identifies the clear levels of authority and lines of communication between the Master, ship’s officers, ratings and the Company?
2. Are all officers and ratings including Juniors aware of the identity, contact details and role of the DPA?
3. Are all senior officers familiar with the lines of communication with the key members of the operator’s organisation ashore, including the DPA?
Guidelines
HUMAN
The Inspector will interview Senior and Junior Officers to verify that they are familiar with the lines of communication between Master, ship’s Officers, Ratings and the company.
They will also be asked to share how the information on the identity and contact details of the DPA is disseminated.
Junior Officers and Ratings must be aware of the identity, contact details and role of the DPA.
PROCESS
1. Clear Authority and Communication
- The SMS manual must clearly outline:
- Levels of authority between the Master, Officers, Ratings, and the company.
- Lines of communication for smooth operations.
2. DPA Identification
- Ensure all crew members, including Officers and Ratings, know who the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) is.
- The SMS should explain how this information is communicated to the crew.
Regularly update and communicate the roles and contact details to ensure everyone onboard knows the chain of command and DPA identity.
Reference
TMSA KPI 1A.2.2 requires that managers’ roles, responsibilities and accountabilities for achieving objectives are defined within the SMS. Ways of demonstrating that roles and responsibilities are defined may include
• Organisational charts, including reporting lines.
• Job descriptions, including responsibilities and accountability.
IMO: ISM Code/3.2 , 4, 5
ICS: Bridge Procedures Guide – Fifth Edition
1.3 Company policy and procedures
IACS Recommendation No.41 (Rev.5 Oct 2019) Guidance for Auditors to the ISM Code