Culture, Law and Policy

In this course, we'll cover:
- What is a Work-Life Balance?
- Why is this balance so important?
- Creating our own Work-Life Balance.
- Issues to Consider when Improving our Work-Life Balance.
- Making a Healthy Work-Life Balance Part of Your Culture.

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.

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.

Clear instructions are simple, specific and short but complete. When you give clear instructions, you avoid confusion, rework and wasted time. At the same time, you help your team become confident in doing their job.

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.

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.

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 9 of the VIQ covers mooring. In this course, we will discuss this chapter and common observations that are found by vetting inspectors with regard to mooring.

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.

Human element is a key component contributing to the safety of life on board and unfortunately, it is also one of the main contributors to a large number of casualties in the maritime industry. This can be made worse by bad human relations on board. Therefore, human relations and social responsibilities work hand in hand to mitigate casualties and incidents. Ensuring that the seafarers are in a positive working environment results in proper communication and good and effective teamwork.

New crew members joining a ship must be familiarised with their duties and essential information about the ship. This ensures they understand their responsibilities thoroughly before commencing their duties. Proficiency and familiarisation are critical factors in preventing failures and safety hazards. Though all crew personnel joining the ship have to do STCW training, there are several specific instructions which are essential for safe operations on ships.