Section 21.2 Training and Familiarization Onboard
While seafarers arrive onboard with statutory certifications and varying levels of experience, effective onboard training and familiarization are crucial to ensure they can perform their duties safely and efficiently in the specific context of that vessel, its equipment, and its operational procedures. This is a continuous process, vital for both new joiners and existing crew members.
1. Regulatory Requirements (STCW, ISM Code, SOLAS):
STCW Convention (Regulation I/14 & Section A-I/14): Mandates companies to ensure seafarers are familiarized with their specific duties and with all ship arrangements, installations, equipment, procedures, and ship characteristics relevant to their routine or emergency duties before being assigned those duties.
ISM Code (Section 6): Requires the company to establish procedures to ensure that new personnel and personnel transferred to new assignments related to safety and protection of the environment are given proper familiarization with their duties. Instructions essential to be provided prior to sailing should be identified, documented, and given.
SOLAS (Chapter III, Regulation 19): Requires onboard training in the use of life-saving appliances and fire-fighting equipment.
2. Objectives of Onboard Training and Familiarization:
Safety: To ensure all crew members can perform their duties without endangering themselves, others, the ship, or the marine environment.
Competence: To bridge any gaps between a seafarer’s general qualifications and the specific requirements of their role on that particular vessel.
Emergency Preparedness: To ensure all crew members know their emergency duties, can operate emergency equipment, and understand emergency procedures.
Operational Efficiency: To ensure tasks are performed correctly and efficiently, minimizing errors and delays.
Regulatory Compliance: To meet the requirements of international conventions and Flag State regulations.
Fostering Safety Culture: To reinforce the importance of safety and procedural adherence.
3. Familiarization for New Crew Members: This is a critical initial step and should be conducted as soon as possible after a crew member joins, and certainly before sailing for safety-critical duties.
Ship-Specific Familiarization:
Emergency Procedures: Location of muster stations, abandon ship stations, personal LSA (lifejackets, immersion suits), escape routes, operation of watertight doors, and individual emergency duties as per the muster list.
Safety Equipment: Location and operation of fire alarms, portable fire extinguishers, fixed fire-fighting systems release stations, and other safety equipment relevant to their duties.
Ship Layout: General layout of the vessel, including their accommodation, mess rooms, work areas, and access to essential services.
Communication Systems: How to use internal communication systems (PA, sound-powered phones, walkie-talkies) and raise alarms.
Health and Hygiene: Ship-specific health and hygiene rules, location of first aid equipment, and procedures for reporting illness or injury.
Job-Specific Familiarization:
Duties and Responsibilities: Clear explanation of their specific tasks and responsibilities.
Equipment Operation: Safe operation of machinery, tools, or equipment they will be using.
Relevant Procedures: Familiarization with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) from the SMS relevant to their tasks.
Risk Assessments: Awareness of risk assessments related to their duties.
Reporting Lines: Understanding who to report to.
Documentation: Familiarization should be documented, with both the crew member and the supervising officer signing off on a checklist to confirm understanding. This is often required by the ISM Code.
Timeframe: Essential safety familiarization must be completed before the vessel sails. Full familiarization may take a few days, with ongoing support.
4. Ongoing Onboard Training: Training is not a one-time event but a continuous process.
Refresher Training: Regular refreshers on safety procedures, emergency responses, and equipment operation. This is often integrated with drills.
Equipment-Specific Training: As new equipment is installed or if existing equipment is complex, dedicated training sessions should be conducted.
Procedure Training: When new procedures are implemented or existing ones are revised under the SMS, ensure all relevant crew are trained.
Toolbox Talks/Pre-Task Briefings: Before undertaking specific non-routine or potentially hazardous tasks (e.g., hot work, enclosed space entry, critical maintenance), conduct a toolbox talk to discuss the procedure, risks, precautions, and emergency actions.
Safety Meetings: Use regular safety meetings as a forum for short training sessions on relevant topics, discussing lessons learned from incidents (internal or industry-wide), or highlighting new safety alerts.
Cross-Training: Where practicable, encourage cross-training to enhance flexibility and understanding between departments or roles.
Mentoring: Senior and experienced crew members should be encouraged to mentor and guide junior or less experienced colleagues, sharing their knowledge and skills.
Computer-Based Training (CBT): Utilize CBT modules provided by the company for standardized training on various topics (e.g., MARPOL, security, specific equipment). The Master should ensure time is allocated for crew to complete these.
Practical Skills Development: Focus on hands-on training rather than just theoretical instruction. For example, actually donning SCBA, operating a portable extinguisher (on a suitable training fire if allowed), or rigging a pilot ladder.
5. Training Records:
Comprehensive Records: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all onboard training and familiarization conducted for each crew member. This includes:
Dates of training/familiarization.
Topics covered.
Names of trainers and trainees.
Evidence of understanding (e.g., signed checklists, assessment results if applicable).
ISM Requirement: Training records are an important part of ISM Code compliance and will be checked during audits and inspections.
6. Identifying Training Needs:
Performance Monitoring: Observe crew performance during routine work and drills to identify areas where further training may be needed.
Incident Analysis: Analyze any accidents, near misses, or non-conformities to identify if lack of training was a contributing factor.
Feedback from Crew: Encourage crew to identify areas where they feel they need more training.
New Regulations/Equipment: When new regulations come into force or new equipment is installed, plan and conduct the necessary training.
Company Directives: Implement any specific training programs mandated by the company.
7. The Master’s Role in Onboard Training and Familiarization:
Overall Responsibility: The Master has the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that all crew members are adequately familiarized and trained for their duties.
Delegation: Delegate training responsibilities to competent senior officers (e.g., Chief Officer for deck crew, Chief Engineer for engine crew, Safety Officer for general safety training).
Resource Allocation: Ensure that sufficient time and resources (including training materials) are allocated for training activities. Training should not be compromised due to operational pressures.
Monitoring Effectiveness: Oversee the training program to ensure it is effective and meets regulatory and company requirements.
Leading by Example: Participate in training where appropriate and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and safety.
Fostering a Learning Culture: Encourage a shipboard environment where learning is valued, questions are welcomed, and mistakes (if non-critical and reported) are treated as learning opportunities.
Effective onboard training and familiarization are fundamental to building a competent and safety-conscious crew. It directly contributes to preventing accidents, ensuring operational efficiency, and complying with the myriad of regulations governing the maritime industry. For the Master of a bulk carrier, this is a key leadership function.