Best Practices
Practical tips, attributed to the role that typically applies them, drawn from each of the platform's 12 thematic modules.
Sign the Oil Record Book only after personally checking the consistency between tank soundings and the logged volumes, not just the form of the entry.
Treat every Near Miss as valuable information, not as a problem to downplay: a punitive culture toward those who report drives down the reporting rate, and with it real safety.
Do not disable safety alarms merely to remove unwanted alerts: use approved settings suited to route, scale, draught and context, acknowledge alarms, and document changes under onboard procedures.
Monitor the fleet's Ship Risk Profile actively, not just ship by ship: a pattern of repeated deficiencies across different units is a systemic signal that requires company-level action.
On an enclosed space entry, the instrumental atmosphere test must be repeated even if the space was ventilated the day before: conditions can change within a few hours.
When an alarm or fire involves lithium batteries, isolate the area, activate the emergency response and follow approved procedures, cargo information and the relevant EmS schedules. Cooling may be needed, but method and intensity depend on battery, location, containment and available systems; account for toxic gases and possible reignition.
Monitoring the passage plan does not end at departure: every deviation, however small, must be re-checked against no-go areas and under-keel clearance before proceeding.
Periodically test standby equipment too, not just the primary units: a 'spare' component that is never tested can turn out to be broken exactly when it's needed.
Prepare the repair specification well in advance and review it with class/the yard before entering dry dock: surprises in dry dock cost far more time and money than planned-for surprises.
Before considering an extension, identify the certificate and its specific statutory provision, then obtain Administration or Recognized Organization authorization where competent. There is no general three-month extension, and class certificates follow separate rules.
Don't rely on Engine Power Limitation alone for EEXI compliance: assess its impact on commercial speed together with the operations department before adopting it.
Before departure, verify that passenger accounting, safety information and applicable muster duties are completed on time, including arrangements for persons with reduced mobility and consistent records.
In upcoming updates: additional contributions as the platform grows.