Culture, Law and Policy

The Oil Companies International Maritime Forum's Tanker Management and Self Assessment (TMSA) program is a vital component of ISM compliance for tanker vessels, despite being a voluntary undertaking.

Successful negotiation involves talking about getting something done. A skilled negotiator employs smart skills and strategies to close an agreement without relying on force.

The safety committee meetings from the master’s perspective need to be managed in line with both the Company (SMS) and mandatory regulations. In addition, they are used to encourage positive interdepartmental cooperation and reinforce the fact that all crew members must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others on board who may be affected by their acts or omissions. In many companies, it is commonplace that any ship security issues are discussed at this meeting and if so the ship security officer should be present.

Seafarers spend long times away from home, working in close quarters with limited opportunities for physical activity, and often poor access to healthy food options. This combination of factors can lead to weight gain and obesity, which can, in turn, lead to serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

The Ship Inspection Report Program (SIRE) is a standard assessment used by tanker owners and operators in order to identify any operational deficiencies in their fleet or their ship. VIQ, Vessel Inspection Questionnaire, is a document within the SIRE, which offers and ensures ships' safety by means of additional safety precautions for all tankers. Chapter 10 of the VIQ covers the Engine and Steering Compartments. In this course, we will discuss this chapter and common observations that are found by vetting inspectors with regard to the Engine and Steering Compartments.

Under SOLAS requirements, vessels must complete drills on board at regular intervals to ensure that personnel and equipment are ready for emergencies that may develop. STCW amendments also require training to be conducted onboard to allow seafarers to renew their STCW certification without the need to complete the full course again every 5 years. Making the drills effective and useful is, therefore, a priority for vessel managers and Masters to ensure the training is relevant, no time is wasted and the seafarers receive value from the exercises.

Everyone onboard must be prepared and know their duties before an emergency occurs. When an emergency happens, it happens fast. This course will give you a basic understanding and assist you with techniques for personal survival if an emergency occurs.

Bridge Resource Management is a critical tool for the officer of the watch in order to maintain a safe navigational watch. BRM is the process to use all of the means available to you during critical operations taking into account not only electronic aids to navigation but also any other data provided during the watch and most importantly teamwork.

Creativity is an essential component of human expression, enabling us to explore our inner selves and connect with others in meaningful ways. However, unlocking our creativity can be challenging, particularly in a world that prioritizes conformity and routine.

In an environment with a speak-up culture, everyone is free and safe to express themselves and feel appreciated for doing so. When you encourage your crew to speak up — and therefore promote a speak-up culture — you empower them, keep them involved and feel confident that their input is valued.

Effective leadership varies not only depending on the task, job or function that needs to be accomplished, but also on the profile of the person or group that is being influenced. Good and effective leaders are those who are flexible and adaptive when it comes to their approaches.

The Vessel General Permit (VGP) is applicable to discharge incidental to the normal operation of a vessel, under which vessels are authorised to discharge effluent within US waters. It is a system of environmental regulation designed to reduce pollution by vessels visiting US ports or operating in US waters. Obtaining and complying with the permit can be challenging, as individual states can establish additional water quality standards that are included in the VGP.