Joining a Ship

Question 1

What documents/training should you receive before joining a ship?

Answer 1

• Joining instructions
• SEA agreement
• Type-specific training for ECDIS

Question 2

What are the contents of a SEA agreement?

Answer 2

• Job description
• Hours of work and rest
• Wages
• Termination of contract agreements
• Drug and alcohol policy
• Pension benefits
• Grievance and disciplinary procedures
• Length of contract
• Health and Social security
• Repatriation agreement
• Standards for food, water, accommodation and laundry

Question 3

What are you looking out for when joining a ship?

Answer 3

The general condition of the ship

• Draft marks and load lines (looking for any significant heel or trim)
• Rust spots

Mooring arrangements

• Condition of lines
• Number of lines
• Weight spread evenly
• Rat guards

The Conduct of the crew

• If PPE is being worn
• Working efficiently, no fighting

Safe means of access

• net under the gangway
• Safety railing,
• Angle of the gangway (no >or< 30° form horizontal
• No gaps to stepover between ship and gangway
• SWL and number allowed on gangway visible

At the top of the gangway

• security checking ID’s and bags
• Adequate lighting
• Lifebuoy

Documents to hand to the Captain

• STCW basics and advanced
• COC
• GOC
• Company-specific docs
• SEA agreement
• ENG 1
• Discharge book
• Passport

Safety induction tour
- SMS checklist (Muster duties, alarm systems, LSA equipment, lifeboat stations, Fire stations, alarm points, fire extinguishers, fixed fire fighting systems, SOPEP lockers and plan, work areas and general condition of the ship)

Familiarisation
- Start familiarisation of the Bridge with the checklist from the SMS, go from left to right

• Sign on to the logbook with the Captian, expect him to ask me about my SEA agreement and if I have any final queries