Safety Module

Question 1

What is the DPA?

Answer 1

The designated person ashore

Question 2

What is the full title of the ISM Code?

Answer 2

International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Preventions

Question 3

Which equivalent code to ISPS applies to shore facilities?

Answer 3

Port Marine Safety Code

Question 4

Who has access to the DPA?

Answer 4

All crew have the right to contact the DPA if they believe that issues are not being dealt with appropriately

Question 5

What are the three key objectives of the ISM Code?

Answer 5

1. To provide for safe working practices and a safe working environment
2. To assess all identifies risks and establish safeguards
3. To continuously improve safety management and the underpinning skills

Question 6

What is the aim of the SMS?

Answer 6

To ensure the safety of the ship, its personnel and the protection of the marine environment, as well as compliance with national and international regulations

Question 7

Who is the publisher of COSWP?

Answer 7

The MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency)

Question 8

What is the purpose of a strong safety culture onboard?

Answer 8

To promote a proactive approach to safety and pollution prevention through shred values, attitudes and practices

Question 9

How does a strong safety culture contribute to accident prevention and overall ship safety?

Answer 9

It encourages open communication, proactive hazard identification, and continuous improvement, reducing accidents and enhancing safety.

Question 10

Is COWSP mandatory?

Answer 10

It is mandatory for UK vessels to carry copies of COSWP but the guidance that it contains is just that, guidance

Question 11

Why is it important for seafarers to follow best practices as outlines in the SMS and COSWP?

Answer 11

It ensures safety of crew, ship, and environment, minimises accidents and injuries and promotes compliance with regulations and guidelines

Question 12

How many people must work onboard a vessel for a Safety Officer to be appointed?

Answer 12

5 or more seafarers

Question 13

Who appoints Safety Representatives?

Answer 13

Safety representatives are elected by the crew

Question 14

Who appoints the Safety Officer?

Answer 14

The Company (to the Master as the Company’s representative)

Question 15

When a Safety Officer is appointed, where is it recorded?

Answer 15

In the narrative section of the Official Log Book

Question 16

Who is responsible for Safety onboard?

Answer 16

Everyone

Question 17

What does a risk assessment take into account?

Answer 17

A risk assessment considers the likelihood that harm or damage may occur against the potential severity or the harm or damage

Question 18

What are the 4 types of risk assessment?

Answer 18

• Generic
• Task-based
• Toolbox talk or safety briefing
• Dynamic

Question 19

What is the difference between a hazard and a risk?

Answer 19

A hazard is s source or situation with the potential to cause harm, whereas a risk is the likelihood of harm occurring and the severity of the consequences if it does

Question 20

While work is being carried out, which type of risk assessment is ongoing?

Answer 20

Dynamic - e.g. the weather has changed and increased the risk level

Question 21

What are the key steps in risk assessment process ?

Answer 21

1. Identify the hazard
2. Assess the risks
3. Implement measures
4. Implement measures
5. Monitor effectiveness

Question 22

When should risk assessments be reviewed and updated?

Answer 22

Regularly (normally annually) or when there are operational equipment, or regulatory changes, or new hazards arise. They will also be reviewed after Anya accident, incident or near miss.

Question 23

What is an Authorising Officer?

Answer 23

The person authorised to issue and close permits, having ensured that the required control measures are in place

Question 24

What is the purpose of the permit to work system?

Answer 24

To ensure safety during high-risk tasks by specifying precautions and control measures

Question 25

Which tasks generally require a PTW?

Answer 25

Tasks which are more complex and dangerous, such as hot for, entry into enclosed spaces, electrical work and working at heights or overboard

Question 26

How long is a PTW valid for?

Answer 26

The PTW will have a duration stated on it and shouldn't be any longer than required to complete the task but in any case never more than 24 hours.

Question 27

Who is responsible for providing and maintaining PPE?

Answer 27

The vessel or company is responsible for providing suitable PPE and the crew are responsible for ensuring it's kept in good order

Question 28

What is a Competent Person?

Answer 28

The adequately experienced and knowledgeable person designated to lead the intended task

Question 29

Who should undergo familiarisation?

Answer 29

All personnel, including the Master

Question 30

When should a safety familiarisation be carried out?

Answer 30

As soon as possible after a crew member joins the vessel and it must be completed within no more than two weeks

Question 31

What topics should be covered during the safety familiarisation?

Answer 31

Emergency procedures, lifesaving/fire equipment, alarms and assigned duties

Question 32

Why is it important to provide refresher safety familiarisation training?

Answer 32

Refresher training is important because crew members will forget things over time, especially if they don't form part of their normal duties

Question 33

Who conducts the safety familiarisation?

Answer 33

It is likely to be the Safety Officer or another Deck Officer

Question 34

What are the two types of familiarisation onboard a vessel?

Answer 34

Safety related and job related

Question 35

What is a near miss?

Answer 35

An incident in which no property was damaged and no personal injury was sustained but where, given a slight shift in time or position, damage or injury could have occured

Question 36

Why is it important to report near misses?

Answer 36

By reporting unsafe acts, conditions and near misses we reduce the likelihood of the event recurring in a way that cold result in an accident

Question 37

What is stop work authority?

Answer 37

Stop work authority empowers and requires any crew member to halt the operation if they believe that it is unsafe

Question 38

Why is stop work authority important for vessel safety?

Answer 38

It encourages a proactive safety culture by allowing crew members to intervene and prevent accidents or incidents

Question 39

How should near misses be reported and addressed?

Answer 39

Near misses should be reported promptly, investigated to identify root causes and followed by corrective actions to prevent recurrence

Question 40

What role does management play in supporting near miss reporting?

Answer 40

Management should establish clear policies, provide necessary resources and foster a just culture aboard that encourages crew members to prioritise safety and report near misses without hesitation

Question 41

What is an unsafe act?

Answer 41

Any act which is not as per the prescribed safety standard or practice and which can cause or is likely to cause accidents or risk for self or others

Question 42

How often should a security drill be carried out?

Answer 42

Once every 3 months or within one week after a 25% crew change

Question 43

How can realistic scenarios enhance the effectiveness of drills and training?

Answer 43

Realistic scenarios improve crew preparedness, decision-making, and response in actual emergency situations

Question 44

How often must abandon ship drills be conducted?

Answer 44

On cargo vessels, each crew member must participate monthly. On passenger vessels, drills must be held weekly and each crew member must participate monthly. an additional drill must be conducted within 24 hours of leaving port is over 25% of the crew has changed

Question 45

Where can you find details of the drill requirements onboard UK vessels?

Answer 45

MGN 71

Question 46

How often must a rescue board drill be conducted?

Answer 46

On all vessels, as far as possible every month but at least once every three months. Additionally, on passenger vessels, rescue boat crews should be mustered on the first day of the voyage and at least weekly thereafter.

Question 47

What is a drill matrix?

Answer 47

It is a structured schedule or table used to plan, track, and document various types of drills and training exercises conducted. It typically includes information such as the type of drill, frequency, date of the drill, participants, and any observations or outcomes

Question 48

What aspects should be covered in a debrief after a drill?

Answer 48

A debrief should discuss the drill's objectives, performance, areas of improvement, lessons learned and any necessary updates to procedures or future training plans.

Question 49

What are the key elements of a positive safety culture in the maritime industry?

Answer 49

Mangement commitment, personnel involvement, clear communication, continuous improvement and learning from incidents