Safety Management Systems Known as SMS
SMS are designed to put into place policies that help protect workers and visitors to all vessels. Life aboard ship offers plenty of dangers, which is why the Safety Management Systems have been growing in popularity by bringing together all safety practices and procedures into one form. By following the guidelines, this will help manage your vessel in a clear manner when it comes to the safety of your personnel.
What is SMS?
SMS is more than a series of documents. It is guideline that helps everyone follow the best practices when aboard ship. SMS consists of the following;
- Guidelines: Information, checklists, and templates for creating an SMS
- How-to: This is how to bring together different safety practices under one umbrella
- Risk Management: Identification of hazards and potential dangers
- Emergency Procedures: What to do in case of accident or injury
The templates provide an easy-to-follow system that follows the national guidelines. Plus, there are crew guidelines that include safety duties as part of the operation of the vessel. There is even a video about fishing safety that provides steps towards a safer experience.
SMS Assessment
The first step in establishing an SMS is understanding the safety needs of your vessel. You will need to access one of two verification tools that are available:
- Vessel Classes 1, 2, & 3: Form 1000
- Vessel Class 4: Form 1003
The class of your vessel will dictate what form will be needed to start the SMS process. During this time, there may be periodic reviews of the SMS on your vessel along with its operations.
Everyone from the owner to master and crew should be a part of the risk assessment process. Developing, updating, and reviewing the safety measures as laid out in the SMS. Remember that Class 1, 2, 3, & 4 vessel requirements are found in Marine Order 504. For Class 1, 2, or 3 vessels, they can be compliant with Marine Order 4 or ISM Code part A.
Safety Management Systems Application
Once the assessment has been completed in the workplace, the next step is implementing the SMS with the additional information discovered during the assessment process. Ross from HRB Consulting in Buderim can help here. This means that all vessels will have to comply to the safety standards as provided in the SMS. Plus, any additional requirements per each vessel and its unique configuration.
Reviews of SMS will be conducted from time to time by outside parties to ensure that all guidelines have been followed. Any additional discoveries of safety issues, such as the addition of new equipment, a structural change in the vessel, and so forth will have to be evaluated as well.
For safety concerning weather conditions, consult with the guidelines provided by the Bureau of Meteorology. This concerns domestic commercial vessels and their safety under different environmental conditions.
Proper safety management systems will help you develop a safer code of conduct which leads to fewer accidents and injuries. While it cannot prevent every instance of danger, SMS helps keep your crew and vessel safer over the long haul. Contact Ross for clarification.
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