Maritime Carol

The maritime industry is full of changes, there have been so many over such a short time. If we are out of date, we are living in the past, and we must move with the times. Here's how to tell if you are 'out of date': 1.  You refer to MNZ (Maritime New Zealand) as MSA (Maritime Safety Authority). Ten years ago MSA changed to MNZ. 2.  You try to sell a commercial vessel saying it is in SSM (Safe Ship Management). If it actually still has a current SSM Certificate, it is so close to expiring that its hardly worth mentioning. All maritime transport operators are deemed to be in MOSS (Maritime Operator Safety System) anyway. 3. You refer to a vessel as being in MOSS (Maritime Operator Safety System) A vessel isn't in MOSS, the operator is. Vessels are 'in survey' like a vehicle has a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) 4. If you sell a vessel, and don't tell MNZ. If a vehicle is sold, a Change of Ownership form is filled out. If a vessel is sold, MNZ nee...

Logbooks are the official record of events on board ship as well as of the ship movements.  Over the years, I've seen many ship's logbooks - some large, others small, some falling to bits and others totally useless for their intended job. When I started Maritime Compliance I saw the need for customised vessel specific logboooks, so I designed two logbook templates ( single and twin screw).  The cover showcases the vessel and the logbooks are printed and bound by the local printer.  Two books are printed each time which means there is one ready for use when the first one is filled up. When I was given a blurred image for the cover of a logbook, I knew it wouldn't reproduce well, so there was nothing for it, but to get out my sketch pad and pencil once again. Kirikiriroa (above) became that logbook and I had one happy customer. The tugboat was printed in 'Tales of the Riverbank', a local calendar and Silens became a prized bulkhead print. It's gr...

You've booked the trip, paid the money, packed your bags & gear and now its time to board the boat. But how can you make sure its safe and that the skipper knows what she/he is doing? While NZ has a well regulated commercial vessel fleet operating with trained crew and compliant vessels, passengers should also be aware of the following: 1. Even though the charter boat may have a MNZ number on the side, this may not be current. You can check the status of the boat here:   http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/commercial/vessel-search/ 2. If the boat fails to return at the designated time, someone at home should know what boat you are on and where you were going.   The skipper should also complete a trip report to a shore base.   3. A prudent skipper/crew will designate a crew person to assist passengers on board the boat.  If someone falls into the water at this point, someone will be there to rescue them.  Is the skipper or crew present when you board the ...

A Survey Plan is written by the marine surveyor and given to the client. It lists what is required and when, for each vessel in the maritime transport operation. A Survey Plan should be referred to when planning maintenance, costings and GOALS for the coming year. Once the survey is completed, and everything in the Maritime Transport Operator Plan is up to date, the operation can continue providing good service in a safe and effective manner.

One of the ferry skippers I worked with sketched me four pages of 'how the ship operated'.  I treasured those scraps of paper as it was my training manual whilst I was on board.   That master was the only one to write the vessel information down - and he was passionate about it. (Thanks Aaron) Having a good Vessel Manual gets information out of people's heads and into one place.  It is referred to in the Maritime Transport Operator Plan and can also be used as a training manual. Crew training and sign offs are formulated from a Vessel Manual and training manuals can also be created using the manual. Crew should be trained to find their way in the dark and not only locate, but also operate emergency equipment fast and in adverse conditions. Once a crew person knows the ship inside and out, they are ready to take a responsible position on board.  Until then, they can often be a liability rather than an asset.

Every commercial vessel has a list of Safety Equipment that is checked monthly, annually and at survey time.  Every owner/operator has a duty to their crew, passengers or clients to keep the equipment up to date and in good order. Take this simple test to check your attitude: 1.  My life jackets are: a) Good enough         b)Keeps the surveyor happy     c)Will save a life when needed. 2. The anchor ball is: a) to keep the surveyor happy   b)Never used       c)hoisted when we drop the anchor. 3. The sea cocks: a)look okay           b)yep, they're probably okay   c)were checked by the surveyor last time. 4) Our charts are: a) Under the chart table         b)good enough   c)Kept updated and renewed when necessary. 5) The flares are on board and they need to be: a)renewed                   b)taken...

Telling our story is what the Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS) is all about.   It's about documenting how we operate, how we keep everyone on board safe, trained and the boats maintained.     It's what we do on a daily, monthly and annual basis.    We are alive when we are on the water and our operator plan should be too. Adventure is a living thing  - so long as there are men & women, sea & land and ships to sail the sea...Capt Randell If its a set of dusty procedures, its not relevant or current, and it's not how we operate. To be the best operator, we need the best operator plan and we need the best system to keep it relevant and current.   It needs to be fun...and kept fun. Here's how to make MOSS fun: 1.  Get a bunch of mates/staff around. (Hey Steve, I need a hand with this) 2.  Give them a copy of your Operator Plan   (Have a look at this) 3.  Is it relevant to the operation.( Wha...