In the previous posts I discussed a few major issues that
conflict with defined management aims on board.
1.
Imposition of a Command system without recourse
to corrective action and review.
2.
Command imposition by a Master with little
knowledge of key Shipboard systems.
3.
Fundamental Conflict between Command based and
Modern Management Systems.
In view of the imposition of the above the working environ
on board remains vitiated. It results in the following:
1.
Conflict with Management Aims of the Company and
Command on board.
2.
Inter Departmental conflict.
3.
Restricted flow of information/ communication.
4.
Command based reviews only on the Management
System on board.
5.
Command powers given in a highly technical setup
to a Non-technical person.
6.
Prevention of alternate and better versions of
on board management coming up.
It has also been demonstrated that Command based economies,
Nations and company set ups ashore have failed miserably in the past century
and beyond. Specifically so on the human rights front and importantly on the
economic fronts also. While lip synching on Discipline and Safety these systems
do nothing more than covering up lapses and worsening safety while preventing a
next generation of Management reforms on board that would lead to ultimately
major financial savings for the Company. This will be explained herewith.
If we are to correctly assess responsibility parameters on
Modern ships they would be:
1.
Technical Aspects
2.
Navigation, Mooring and Anchoring Operations
3.
Port Cargo Operations
4.
Admin and housekeeping duties.
Most ship safety related failures and accidents occur in 1
and 2 of the above. Technical failures are largely because of acute shortage of
key personnel. Navigational ones are due
to the fact that those responsible are also focused on 3 and 4. A Large number
of accidents related to Navigational operations are related to Fatigue, these
are primarily due to those responsible for them working on Port cargo
operations as also Admin and housekeeping duties. These are well known and no
amount of circulars or admonishments would turn the statistical tide against.
Needless to repeat Navigational errors, collisions cause
immense financial losses to the Industry each year. Yet the easiest way out
looking at the 4 points above is disassociating largely the Cargo and Admin/
Housekeeping operations and responsibilities from those who Navigate and man
look out watches.
A logical or practical solution to the above would be to
introduce a Deck Engineer and Admin Officer on board in the near future:
The Deck Engineer:
The Deck Engineer proposed should be the rank of a 2nd
Engineer. Capable of dealing with all essential Deck Machinery, Cargo handling
operations, Ballast exchange and Stability and strength calculations. His
responsibilities on board would not include Navigation or Machinery Space
operations, but he could in an emergency situation mid ocean be helpful in
terms of technical experience and knowledge. Just as Engineers working
machinery spaces work on Deck machineries. Being an Engineer he would have a
far better and productive working relationship with the Engineering department
on board.
While the Deck Engineer is responsible for the loading
operation, he should be entrusted of satisfying the Navigational Mate that the
loading (stresses and stability), drafts are to the satisfaction of the
Navigational Department for safe passage.
This results in the following:
1.
Close coordination of the loading process is
maintained between the Navigational and Engineering Departments.
2. The
commercial related pressure is de-linked from the Navigational Master and Mate.
3.
Navigational Master and Mates get the required
hours of rest prior to departure Ports.
4.
Whilst this does not absolve the Navigating
Master and Mate from responsibilities of satisfying themselves with regards to
safe stresses and stability, it does provide them with focus on their primary
task that being of safe Navigation.
The Admin Officer:
The Admin Officer proposed here is a Hotel Management
Graduate familiar with documentation and administrative procedures, provision management,
accounting, housekeeping duties. At a later more developed stage the post could
be entrusted dealing with certificates, documents, immigration and other
authorities. However at present freeing up the Mate and Master from active
cargo and Deck responsibilities frees up time to retain document handling.
Post conclusion:
These simple changes in the future would lead to safer
navigation, less fatigue, harmonious interdepartmental relationship and thus a more
cohesive work environment. All these would have a far more positive impact on
Safe working on board a Merchant vessel than any proposed legislation's and
campaigns.
My next post will be detailing
how these changes affect safety, relationships, human rights records and foster
better Management and financial savings for companies.
